Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the Cincinnati Reds as they opened a four-game series at Dodger Stadium. It was also Ohtani’s bobblehead night as they distributed bobbleheads to the first 40,000 fans. While the crowd flocked to the stadium, Ohtani’s kind gesture before the game caught the attention of the baseball world online.
Ohtani met with a pediatric patient named Albert ahead of the game. The two-way superstar surprised the young fan when he walked up to him and gave him a few goodies, including a signed jersey and ball. Ohtani also invited Albert to throw the first pitch of the game and handed him suite tickets to enjoy the show.
Reacting to the heartwarming moment, MLB fans took to social media to express their emotions. Several fans commented on Shohei Ohtani’s heartwarming gesture:
Here’s a look at some of the reactions from fans on X/Twitter:
“He’s just the best thing that’s happened to baseball,” wrote one fan on X.
“That is amazing! Seeing how happy that boy is makes me honestly tear up,” added another fan.
“Ohtani is the best athlete we have currently. Athletic wise and human wise. If you had to choose one person to have 700 mil. Its this guy,” one fan chipped in.
Fans continued to praise Ohtani as comments poured in online:
“Shohei and his genuine smile like this is just not a job for him, this is his life, and he loves the effect he brings to people. Great stuff here,” one fan wrote.”I just wanna be friends with Shohei, seems like such a genuine, happy dude,” one fan responded.”How can you not be romantic about baseball,” one fan asked.
Shohei Ohtani takes catch for Albert in first pitch
Apart from all the signed goodies, Shohei Ohtani topped it all for Albert as he went behind the plate to catch the first pitch. The young fan had a lifetime memory as he walked to the mound and threw the ball to Ohtani.
Albert was surprised to see his favorite player appear in front of him. Getting to throw the first pitch was something he never expected. The young fan was unable to speak when he saw Ohtani for the first time.
However, the Dodgers lost against the Reds 7-2 on the night, but it was a great day at Dodger Stadium as they witnessed the largest crowd since 2019.
