Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani has been a media darling this season. On the field, he’s a two-way marvel, crushing baseballs and baffling hitters. Off the field, he’s battled through a personal scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who allegedly embezzled over $16 million from Ohtani to fund a gambling addiction. Major League Baseball swiftly launched an investigation, and the Dodgers fired Mizuhara. So, when a team-posted video captured Ohtani seemingly backstage with Mizuhara after a recent win against the Washington Nationals, the internet went into a frenzy.

The video, posted by Dodgers Nation Twitter page, shows Ohtani attempting some Spanish greetings with teammates Teoscar Hernández and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The camera pans to Ohtani and Hernández, then Yamamoto, and back to the first duo again. But eagle-eyed fans spotted a familiar face in Yamamoto’s periphery—a figure clad in a uniform, strongly resembling the recently dismissed Mizuhara. The brief glimpse has the internet buzzing with questions. Was it really Mizuhara? If so, what was he doing there? And how did he get backstage after being fired?

Ippei Mizuhara’s shadow looms large in Dodgers’ organization

Let’s unpack this a bit. The Boys in Blue have been very clear: they fired Mizuhara, and he is no longer employed by the organization. It’s highly unlikely they would allow him back into restricted areas, especially after such a serious transgression of trust. Security footage would likely capture any unauthorized personnel, and it’s safe to assume the Dodgers would take swift action in such a scenario.

However, we can’t ignore the human tendency to weave narratives. Shohei Ohtani has thrived since cutting ties with Mizuhara. Reports depict a more open and communicative Ohtani, one who is actively bonding with teammates. Manager Dave Roberts even commented on noticing a visible change in the Unicorn’s demeanor, attributing it to the newfound camaraderie within the team.

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This newfound confidence coincides with a stellar season on the field, with Ohtani putting up eye-popping statistics. So, the idea of him regressing back to interact with Mizuhara is inherently dramatic and attention-grabbing, which may explain why the speculation has gained traction online.

Adding fuel to the fire is the complexity of the Mizuhara situation. Text messages revealed in the criminal complaint allege that Mizuhara started embezzling funds in November 2021, just a few months after the Dodgers won the World Series. Over the next two years, Mizuhara allegedly stole over $16 million from Shohei Ohtani to feed his gambling addiction. The texts depict a man in freefall, desperately chasing losses and seeking ever-increasing lines of credit from his bookie. In January 2024, with the net closing in, Mizuhara allegedly even admitted to the bookie that he had stolen from Ohtani.

Given this backstory, it’s understandable that fans might find the possibility of Ohtani and Mizuhara interacting again intriguing, even if improbable. The situation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of gambling addiction and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.

Shohei Ohtani’s inner circle and the importance of trust

The Twitter video has reignited discussions surrounding Ohtani’s inner circle. As a foreign-born player in a league dominated by American culture, having trusted advisors around him is even more critical for Ohtani’s success.

The alleged betrayal by Ippei Mizuhara, his former interpreter, has undoubtedly shaken Ohtani’s trust. Mizuhara wasn’t just a translator; according to reports, he functioned as a confidante, someone Ohtani relied on to navigate the complexities of American life and professional baseball. The financial betrayal was a major blow, but the emotional breach of trust likely cut even deeper.

This is why the brief glimpse of Mizuhara in the background of the video has caused such a stir. In that brief moment, a uniformed Mizuhara appears by Yamamoto’s side, glances towards Ohtani, who is beside the camera, and then moves away from view. While the Dodgers have made it clear that Mizuhara is no longer employed by the team and would not be allowed backstage, the internet is abuzz with speculation. What was he doing there?

The Ippei Mizuhara incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy individuals. Shohei Ohtani’s story highlights the vulnerability of foreign-born players who rely on a single person for translation and guidance. Building a strong and reliable support system, both within the team and outside of it, is crucial for Ohtani’s well-being and continued success.