Shohei Ohtani’s “polite” ways have always endeared him to baseball fans. In a way, Ohtani’s behavior can be marked as a breath of fresh air. In a sport where competitors have a habit of losing their temper and the benches clear quite frequently, the calm and composed demeanor of this superstar is eye-catching. But what’s more important is the fact that despite Ohtani’s generational talents, he never fails to show humility when it counts.

The evidence of that humility was given once again in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ series against the San Francisco Giants. Usually when arguably the oldest rivalry in baseball meets, it sets off multiple fireworks. Both teams fight hard to gain the bragging rights over their sworn enemy. That would lead to some hot heads but Ohtani’s respectful gesture to the Giants’ skipper gave a brand new taste to this generational feud. 

In his heart, Ohtani is still that young boy who first fell in love with baseball. That infectious smile and energetic display prove that. And like any young student, he knows that respecting your coaches and teachers is an ultimate act of humbleness. That respect was visible again during his brief interaction with Bob Melvin.

It is nothing new, Ohtani usually shows respect to coaches in different ways. But In the case of the Giants’ Bob Melvin, Shotime chose to bow his head in respect. In Japanese culture, bowing your head to someone is considered the ultimate form of respect. So naturally when Ohtani did it, the hearts of millions of his fans melted. 

But then again, this isn’t the first time Shohei Ohtani has bowed his head before someone. He did that last year as well but at that time it was for his childhood hero.

Shohei Ohtani’s respectful gestures continue to win hearts

Last year Shohei Ohtani joined his childhood icon Ichiro Suzuki as a WBC winner. Suzuki had led Japan to victory in 2009. Just two weeks after his win, Ohtani’s LA Angels started its series against the Seattle Mariners. It was there that Ohtani saw Suzuki and immediately rushed towards him. 

Then the superstar took off his cap and bowed respectfully to the iconic Ichiro Suzuki. The superstar’s gesture was met with love even then. Ohtani was just 7 when Suzuki made his MLB debut. The Two-way phenom has repeatedly shared how Suzuki’s journey inspired him to take up baseball. 

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So it seems, that respecting seniors and managers is something that Ohtani loves to do. Perhaps that’s why he’s so different and beloved. He brings the human quotient to a sport filled with immortals.

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