Knute Rockne, the legendary coach of the University of Notre Dame, once said, “One man practicing sportsmanship is far better than 50 preaching it.” And it appears that the Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani has taken the message to heart and embodied it in his actions. Through his pure love for the game, Ohtani is carving out a path to greatness.

His love for the game doesn’t only translate through his exceptional plays at the mound and the plate, but also through how he treats others with genuine integrity and love. The sanctity of the ballpark holds a special meaning to the baseball phenom because he doesn’t even think twice about helping rivals during their warm-up, in the most adorable way possible. 

Shohei Ohtani was caught red-handed swiping something out of the umpire’s pocket 

The Halos star Shohei Ohtani had a memorable Wednesday as he faced off against the Seattle Mariners. In a game that was the birthplace of a unique historical event in baseball, Sho-time became the first player ever to receive pitch clock violations both as a batter and a pitcher in a single game.

But the real highlight of the day came when he was caught red-handed nonchalantly pick-pocketing a ball out of the home plate umpire Pat Hoberg’s satchel during Angel’s third game against the Mariners.

It all started when a pitcher from the rival team was left without a ball during his warm-up. Ohtani and his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, stood by the dugout, discussing something with the umpire and manager, Phil Nevin. 

Top Stories

Red Sox Make Huge Roster Powerplay as Craig Breslow Positions for Alex Bregman Pete Alonso Decision

Blue Jays to Ditch Bo Bichette as Scott Boras’ “Mouthpiece” Drops Cryptic Take Amid Kyle Tucker’s Toronto Links

Yankees’ Cody Bellinger-Kyle Tucker Pursuit Written off by NY Insider, Thanks to Hal Steinbrenner’s ‘Cheapness’

Roman Anthony Drops 3-Word Savage Response After Sonny Gray’s ‘Hateful’ Dig at Yankees

Red Sox to Sacrifice Gold Glover for $116.5M Star as Alex Bregman Talks Grow Unstable, per Insider

READ MORE: Despite Staggering Home Run, Mike Trout Has a Special Item Stolen by Shohei Ohtani Following Immediate Turn of Events

In the midst of the conversation, the two-way sensation spotted the pitcher in need. Without a second thought, while still in the middle of his discussion with the umpire, Ohtani smoothly took the ball from Hoberg’s stash, tossed it over, and went back to talking as if nothing had happened. All those present noticed, but no one said a word, hinting that it was a usual occurrence. 

How did fans react to the Japanese star’s wholesome moment? 

Fans absolutely love Shohei Ohtani’s wholesome gesture of endearment towards his rivals. Many are mentioning that the umpire’s a real one for not saying anything. 

Fans are fawning over the Japanese sensation and this time not only because of his skills, with many saying that they do not deserve this man. 

Shohei Ohtani once again displayed phenomenal prowess in the Angels’ latest game of the season. At the mound, he just allowed one run on three hits and four walks and eight strikeouts over six innings. And at the plate, he garnered two walks and an RBI single, which helped the team secure a 4-3 victory against the Mariners. Looking ahead to their upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Ohtani is sure to continue playing with his usual excellence.

WATCH THIS STORY: Two-way star Shohei Ohtani seemingly believes his 1st son will carry on his baseball legacy