**Shohei Ohtani** crushed a grand slam at his very first chance in the World Baseball Classic, because of course he did.
Japan’s leadoff hitter couldn’t have runners on base in his first at-bat Friday against Chinese Taipei. But when he stepped back up in the second inning, the bases were loaded for the **Los Angeles Dodgers** superstar.
See ya later.
SHOHEI OHTANI GRAND SLAM! #WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC pic.twitter.com/z0BXjlYInF
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 6, 2026
That’s the thing about Ohtani – he’s always ready for the moment, no matter how bright the lights get. The stage has never been too big for him.
He struck out **Mike Trout** to win the **2023 WBC** for Japan. He’s led the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series titles.
Now he’s back at the World Baseball Classic, trying to lead **Samurai Japan** to a repeat championship. Pool play starts at the **Tokyo Dome**, which means tens of thousands of adoring fans watching his every move.
Ohtani won’t pitch in this tournament – he’s saving his arm for the Dodgers season. But he’ll still have plenty of chances to impact games at the plate and on the bases.
He influences games just by being in the lineup. Opponents know he’s always looming, ready to embrace another moment. That’s intimidating for any pitcher who has to face him.
What’s astounding is how he always seems to seize these opportunities. Ohtani is one of one, and this grand slam just proves it again.
