When you're a new dad and the MVP of Major League Baseball, catching a few winks in the dugout isn't just understandable; it's almost necessary. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers found himself nodding off during what turned out to be a lopsided World Series rematch against the New York Yankees. As the Dodgers cruised to an 18-2 victory, Ohtani, who recently celebrated the birth of his daughter with his wife Mamiko Tanaka, took a moment to rest — only to jolt awake in a moment that many sleep-deprived parents know all too well.
Ohtani, a three-time MVP and four-time All-MLB First Team selection, has wasted no time this season making powerful statements both off and on the field. He's matched Seattle Mariners’ Cal Raleigh at a league-best 22 home runs, fueling the Dodgers' formidable offense. Ohtani's recent hot streak has seen him launch five homers over the past seven games, including a pair that left Yankees fans in shock during the series opener.
In a delightful twist of fate, Ohtani's friendly rival, Yankees star Aaron Judge, shares in the new dad experience. Judge, with his wife Samantha Bracksieck, welcomed a daughter named Nora Rose into their world in January. Perhaps nighttime bottle duty has also kept Judge on his toes, as he trails just one home run behind Ohtani in the slugging leaderboard.
While his bat has been doing the talking, Ohtani has also been busy behind the scenes, working on his comeback to the mound. He recently completed another round of live pitching, and fans are eagerly anticipating his return as a dual-threat on the field. But for now, the sleep-deprived slugger is wisely taking advantage of any opportunity to catch some rest.
It’s an exciting time for these two baseball dads, both redefining what it means to balance life on and off the field. Here's to Ohtani and Judge, juggling fatherhood and formidable athletic careers with grace and a touch of humor. After all, being a new parent can be more exhausting than facing a 100-mph fastball.
