When Shohei Ohtani dislocated his left shoulder during the 2024 World Series, it unexpectedly brought renewed attention to a memorable story from the Dodgers’ 2020 championship run.

That story involved outfielder Cody Bellinger.

Bellinger had previously suffered several shoulder dislocations, and during Game 7 of the National League Championship Series against Atlanta, he hit a crucial home run.

As he celebrated, he enthusiastically bumped forearms with teammate Kiké Hernández.

The celebration was a little too enthusiastic.

Because of his history of shoulder instability, the impact caused his shoulder to dislocate.

Remarkably, Bellinger had the shoulder put back into place, returned to the field, and later played in the World Series, recording three hits, including a home run, as the Dodgers captured the championship.

Ohtani knew that story well.

After his own shoulder injury in Game 2 of the 2024 World Series, while his teammates traveled ahead to New York, he sent them a message in the team group chat:

“The last time, Bellinger dislocated his shoulder and the Dodgers went on to win the World Series. This time, I’m the one who dislocated my shoulder. Maybe it’s a good sign for another championship. I’ll do everything I can to be ready to play. See you in New York.”

The message was not only an update on his condition.

It was an attempt to lift the spirits of the entire team.

When later asked about it, Ohtani explained simply:

“I wanted them to laugh.”

That answer reveals something important about leadership.

At a moment when everyone was worried about him, Ohtani chose to ease the tension, encourage his teammates, and keep the clubhouse focused on the goal ahead.

His final words — “See you in New York” — reassured the team that he was not giving up.

And for his teammates, that may have been the most powerful message of all.

Source

This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.

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