The Los Angeles Dodgers have taken their game to another level in 2025 and now have a commanding 55-32 record, which places them 8.5 games ahead in the NL West. The ongoing series against the Chicago White Sox is a perfect showcase of their power. It’s the seventh straight series they have won, showing no signs of slowing down at all.

During the series, Shohei Ohtani hit his 30th home run of the season while Clayton Kershaw achieved his milestone of 3000 career strikeouts. But amid such great feats, smaller human moments often define a team.

During a game in the White Sox series, rookie sensation Andy Pages made a blunder in the outfield. He missed a fly ball, which was counted as a one-out double for the White Sox. It didn’t turn out costly because the Dodgers eventually managed to secure a 5-4 victory, but the blunder didn’t go unnoticed. Especially by the team’s prankster, who was just waiting for the right opportunity to throw in a bit of good-natured banter.

No one is safe from Ohtani’s playful antics, not even a rising star. During a pregame workout, Shotime was caught on camera giving Pages a hard time. In the video shared by Dodgers Nation, Ohtani could be seen hilariously mimicking Pages’ fielding attempt. He perfectly recreated the moment with a spot-on, goofy impression. The caption summed the moment perfectly: “Shohei Ohtani was giving Andy Pages a hard time during pregame workouts 🤣🤣.” Well, such exchanges are a hallmark of an integrated and well-functioning team.

And, this is just the latest chapter in the legend of Ohtani – the clubhouse vibe. In early July, he had playfully trolled pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto on Instagram. He posted an old, awkward modeling photo of his teammate. That came only a day after Yamamoto had congratulated him on his 30th homer.

Even manager Dave Roberts isn’t immune. Ohtani gifted him a toy Porsche after giving Joe Kelly’s wife a real one for the No. 17 jersey. It is non-stop fun.

His teammates also contribute to the pranks. On May 26, Enrique Hernández teasingly gave Ohtani a pitcher’s helmet as a gift even though he had recently undergone surgery.

The New York Mets joined in on the fun in June 2024 as well. When Ohtani shattered a scoreboard light with a foul ball, they flashed a message: “We’re sending you the bill for that, Shohei.”

These delightful antics offer a fascinating glimpse into the personality of a global icon. But what do the people who see him every day think about Ohtani’s playful side?

The clubhouse view: A “little kid” in a giant’s body

Manager Dave Roberts has a front-row seat to the fun, as he often engages in prank battles with his star player. After being gifted a toy car by Ohtani, Roberts explained, “Shohei has been very gracious and we’ve got this long-running practical joke.”

Roberts, however, got his revenge by filling Ohtani’s car with hundreds of plastic balls, leaving a video message saying, “Alright, Shohei. You got me the first round. I told you, you know what they say about payback… enjoy it, keep these pictures, and have fun cleaning your car out.”

Ohtani’s teammates have been equally charmed and surprised by his personality. Veteran Enrique Hernández perfectly described the contrast between his public image and private self. “He’s almost like a little kid, trapped in a giant body,” Hernández said. “He doesn’t necessarily always show it. But I was surprised by how much personality he has.”

Catcher Austin Barnes agrees, noting how Ohtani balances his intensity. “He’s pretty serious,” he shared. “But he can joke and mess around, too. He makes me laugh.”

Pitcher Blake Treinen also praised Ohtani’s youthful side balanced with mature mentality, “He does a great job of having a childlike joy toward the game, but playing it like a grown man.” It’s something you hear from most of the Dodgers players.

But hey, off-field drama aside, Ohtani is now on the field in the midst of what may be a historic, MVP-caliber season. Through 85 games, he has hit at an average of .286 with 30 home runs, 56 RBIs, and an amazing 1.015 OPS. Also, his advanced stats are very impressive. He has a 173 wRC+, which means he is 73% more productive than the average hitter.

The Japanese ace is now back on the mound too. In his first few starts, he has already surpassed the 101 mph mark with his fastball. Can Ohtani keep the momentum going, both at the plate and on the mound? Share your thoughts below.