Game 6 of the National League Championship Series was on the horizon, and most of the Dodgers were already suited up. Ohtani, however, was untroubled. In Game 2, Mets starter Sean Manaea had struck him out twice and popped him up, leading Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to remark, “I haven’t seen him look that bad against anyone.” Yet, Ohtani possesses an unwavering confidence in his skills and preparation—something not every superstar shares.

At 30, Ohtani quickly erased the memories of Game 2 during his first at-bat in Game 6, hitting a single off Manaea. He later added an RBI single against Mets reliever Ryne Stanek, bringing his record to 18 for his last 22 at-bats with runners in scoring position. After the Dodgers secured a 10–5 victory, he and Roberts celebrated in the clubhouse, dousing each other with beer, marking Ohtani’s first trip to the World Series.

The Dodgers are set to face the New York Yankees, a showdown of star talent: Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman on one side, and Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton on the other. While Ohtani may not be the standout player, the fierce competition could elevate his performance.

Though Ohtani may not be Superman, he tackles challenges with ease. While Manaea pitched impressively in Game 2, it was the first time the Dodgers faced his lower arm slot, and he admitted to tiring in the sixth inning. Ohtani likely felt confident facing a fatigued pitcher a second time in just six days, or perhaps he simply trusted that things would work out.

This is the scenario Ohtani and the Dodgers envisioned when he signed his groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million free-agent contract in December, with only $20 million deferred. This deal is expected to be a steal, given the Dodgers’ investment and the sponsorships from Japanese companies, alongside the World Series appearance in Ohtani’s first year.

“He was really keen on joining a team committed to winning,” said Dodgers chairman Mark Walter amid the champagne-soaked celebration. “We felt a responsibility to give him our best.”

Walter and his fellow owners committed an additional $700 million in player salaries last offseason, including the signing of Japanese right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, to build a stronger team. Ohtani’s decision to defer part of his salary was intended to provide flexibility for the Dodgers, allowing them to reach heights he didn’t achieve during his six seasons with the Angels, including postseason play and now the World Series.

In a postseason interview, Ohtani succinctly expressed his dreams: “This is a place that I’ve dreamt of playing all my life.”

Before Game 5, Roberts spoke with Fox broadcasters, reflecting on the Dodgers’ lead over the Mets, and their proximity to the Series for the first time since 2020. He expressed concern about his pitching but also excitement over the prospect of Ohtani showcasing his talent on the World Series stage.

“I want the whole world to see Shohei on the biggest of stages,” Roberts declared. “I want that for our game.”

Though baseball no longer holds the same cultural significance it did in the mid-20th century, the upcoming 2024 Series may draw interest from casual fans, particularly with Ohtani’s presence generating excitement in North America and among his fans in Japan.

“This is the best thing for our game, to generate interest in this thrilling Series featuring two iconic franchises,” Roberts noted. “You won’t see more talent on the field in a single Series. This is exactly what Ohtani signed up for, and I’m thrilled for him and fans worldwide.”

Some fans from other major-league teams may scoff, citing the Dodgers and Yankees’ hefty payrolls. While salary disparities are a genuine concern in the sport, high-spending teams often falter in the postseason.

This Series features the top teams from the AL and NL for the first time since the 2013 clash between the Red Sox and Cardinals. When the Dodgers faced the Yankees earlier in June, the games were exceptional. With the World Series starting Friday, both teams will benefit from time to rest injured players.

Soto, fresh off a spectacular three-run homer in the ALCS, is poised for a lucrative free-agent deal. Judge is hitting only 5-for-31 this postseason, but his regular-season performance was stellar. Stanton has already hit five home runs in the playoffs, increasing his postseason total to 16.

For the Dodgers, Betts has found his rhythm after a slow start, while Freeman, nursing a sprained ankle, has struggled. Yet Ohtani remains a formidable presence, with the Mets unable to find an answer for him.

A reporter amusingly pointed out Ohtani’s previous struggles, asking if he changed his approach or discussed moving down in the batting order. Ohtani responded through his interpreter that he hadn’t made any significant changes, attributing his earlier challenges to a small sample size.

His remarkable success with runners in scoring position likely reflects his skill rather than mere chance. Roberts never considered altering Ohtani’s batting order, and Ohtani broke his 0-for-22 slump in Game 4 with a powerful home run. He followed up with three walks, scoring each time.

Ohtani’s other homer in the NLCS was a pivotal three-run shot, allowing Roberts to manage his pitching staff more effectively. As for the Mets’ challenge of that homer, Muncy remarked, “There’s no way you overturn that. The ball was way over the foul pole.”

Ohtani ended the series with impressive stats, demonstrating his capacity to thrive against any challenge. The upcoming World Series will bring intense scrutiny, excitement, and analysis, with anticipation reminiscent of previous memorable matchups.

The excitement surrounding this Series is unmatched, featuring two iconic cities, star players, and the moment Ohtani has been anticipating his whole life. As Ohtani steps into the clubhouse on Friday, he will embrace the enormity of this occasion while maintaining his focus. Ready to play, he will be at the pinnacle of his sport.