In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the opening round used a group-stage format, meaning teams could still advance even after a loss if they finished with a strong overall record.
But from the quarterfinals onward, everything changed.
One loss meant elimination.
Shohei Ohtani had experienced this kind of short-term, high-pressure postseason baseball during his time with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. However, after moving to the Los Angeles Angels, he had not played in a true playoff atmosphere for years.
Before the quarterfinal against Italy, Ohtani admitted that he was actually enjoying the unique tension of meaningful, win-or-go-home baseball again.
Japan’s manager Hideki Kuriyama gave Ohtani, who was starting as both pitcher and designated hitter, a simple message:
“Do whatever it takes to help Japan win.”
Ohtani answered that challenge in an unexpected way.
In the third inning, with one out and a runner on first base, Ohtani squared around and attempted a surprise bunt on the very first pitch. Italy had shifted heavily against him, expecting power, and he used that positioning against them.
Ordinarily, Ohtani dislikes the idea of sluggers bunting. As one of baseball’s greatest home-run hitters, he believes fans want to see hitters swing aggressively.
But this was different.
This was a single-elimination game.
Rather than protecting his image as a power hitter, Ohtani chose the play that gave Japan the best chance to score first and win. The bunt successfully advanced the runner and created a bigger scoring opportunity with runners on the corners.
After the game, Ohtani was asked whether bunting in such a moment conflicted with his pride as a home-run hitter competing at the highest level of Major League Baseball.
His answer was simple:
“In that moment, there was no personal pride more important than Japan winning.”
That mindset reveals what mattered most to Ohtani.
Not statistics.
Not image.
Not ego.
Only victory.
Source
This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.
Chasing Shohei Ohtani: A Beat Reporter’s 10-Year Notebook, p.394