Renowned for his unprecedented dual-threat abilities on the baseball diamond, Shohei Ohtani has long captivated fans and experts alike. Yet, instead of his on-field heroics, it’s his entanglement in a disconcerting gambling scandal that is currently making headlines.
In essence, allegations have surfaced suggesting that an interpreter working with the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar illicitly withdrew funds from Ohtani’s bank account, purportedly transferring them to an alleged bookmaker. This has sparked speculation about whether the interpreter misappropriated funds from Ohtani or if Ohtani himself was settling debts incurred by the interpreter. Ohtani has vehemently refuted any involvement in the scandal, asserting during a press briefing that the interpreter “has been stealing money from my account and has told lies.”
Discover more about Shohei Ohtani and the controversy surrounding him. Who is Shohei Ohtani?
Describing Ohtani as a once-in-a-generation talent merely underscores his extraordinary prowess on the field. Renowned as a dual-threat player, he possesses the rare ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level—a feat unparalleled in professional baseball since Babe Ruth’s era a century ago. Notably, Ohtani’s exceptional skills extend across all facets of the game.
Born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan, Ohtani embarked on his professional career in Japan from 2013 to 2017—where he crossed paths with Mizuhara—before joining the Los Angeles Angels. His tenure with the Angels commenced in 2018, where he showcased his remarkable versatility. During his debut season, he achieved a pitching record of 4-2 with a 3.31 ERA, alongside a batting average of .285 and 22 home runs. These stellar performances earned him the prestigious American League Rookie of the Year accolade.
Despite the Angels’ challenges and Ohtani’s injury setbacks hindering his pitching capabilities, he continued to excel, earning three All-Star selections and clinching the American League MVP award twice—in 2021 and 2023—while finishing as a runner-up in 2022. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in Japan’s victory at the World Baseball Classic in 2023.