Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ No. 17 star, left the baseball world speechless when he expressed his deep loss of his grandfather in an emotional message: “Thank you for everything, Grandpa. You were my first fan and the reason I always wanted to be better. I will never forget your lessons in hard work and humility. I know you’re in a better place now. I will keep playing with all my heart for you. Rest in peace. 💙”
The post, accompanied only by a blue heart and baseball emoji, quickly went viral across social media platforms, making fans not only emotional but also expressing deep sympathy for Ohtani. In this moment, fans realized that even global superstars are not immune to personal pain.
A source close to the family revealed that Ohtani’s grandfather – like his father, Tōru Ohtani – was a passionate baseball fan and was the first person to teach Shohei the basics of the sport. “His advice and unconditional support helped Shohei believe in his baseball dream,” a family friend shared. It was this support that formed the foundation for Ohtani to become one of the best players in MLB history.
Not only an icon on the field, Ohtani is also known for his humanitarian actions off the field. He previously donated a portion of his assets to his parents, which is believed to stem from his desire to show gratitude and care for his family during this sensitive time. His actions further made fans feel the deep love of family, that success and money never overshadow core values.
During Game Three of the 2025 World Series between the Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani led from second base, but his thoughts seemed to be with his family. The image of a great, strong star on the field but still unable to hold back tears when talking about his grandfather moved teammates, fans and the media alike.
On social media, a wave of support and condolences flooded the comments section. Thousands of fans wrote: “Shohei, we stand with you. The values your grandfather passed on will always live in you.” Some analysts said this emotional moment reminded the world that success is not only measured by home runs or MVP awards, but also by the moral values, humility and gratitude to family that an athlete carries throughout his life.
Shohei Ohtani has proven that despite being a global icon, he is still a devoted grandson, a man who values his family and the lessons of his predecessors. His short but powerful message – “I will keep playing with all my heart for you” – is not only a promise on the field but also a living testament to the love and spirit that his grandfather passed on.
In these difficult times, Shohei Ohtani has reminded the world: even superstars have pain, but it is the love of family and the lessons from loved ones that will motivate them to overcome any challenge. And surely, every time he swings a bat at Dodgers Stadium, a part of his grandfather’s heart is cheering and living on in every hit.
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