{"id":518776,"date":"2026-03-06T19:31:08","date_gmt":"2026-03-06T19:31:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/518776\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T19:31:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T19:31:08","slug":"shohei-ohtanis-viral-wbc-opener-shows-mlbs-competitive-advantage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/518776\/","title":{"rendered":"Shohei Ohtani’s Viral WBC Opener Shows MLB’s Competitive Advantage"},"content":{"rendered":"

It only took an inning and a half of Team Japan’s first World Baseball Classic game to remind the globe that no one does it like Shohei Ohtani. <\/p>\n

In the top of the second inning, Ohtani came to the plate with the bases loaded, one out, and no score. And the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar provided a swing that not only broke open the score, but nearly broke the internet.<\/p>\n

SHOHEI OHTANI GRAND SLAM! #WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/z0BXjlYInF<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 6, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Ohtani’s grand slam generated hundreds of millions of internet impressions within a few hours. The official WBC account’s highlight clip had over 16 million views and 255,000 likes in its first 6 1\/2 hours.<\/p>\n

If you like our content,\u00a0choose Sports Illustrated as a preferred source on Google<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Is Ohtani unmatched in terms of global presence?\"Ohtani\"<\/p>\n

Feb 21, 2026; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The viral moments Ohtani provided on Friday, in concert with the type of hype he can generate for a game that otherwise proved to be a laugher, should serve as a reminder to Major League Baseball: They’ve got the world’s biggest golden ticket in terms of global intrigue in sports right now.<\/p>\n

Ohtani was always larger than life, but his star has continued to rise since his arrival with the Dodgers before the 2024 season. He’s 2-for-2 in winning championships and taking home Most Valuable Player Awards, and everything he does generates unrivaled buzz.<\/p>\n

When Ohtani returned to the pitcher’s mound last June, his start against the San Diego Padres was the most-viewed game<\/a> in MLB.tv history — and by 28% over the previous record. And when he plays in the biggest games, he breaks records constantly. <\/p>\n

We saw how massive a moment Ohtani’s showdown with Mike Trout in the WBC championship was three years ago. What could the four-time MVP have on deck for an encore?<\/p>\n

Baseball is in the middle of a new golden age, and a lot of that is due to Ohtani’s brilliance. And MLB is experiencing an Ohtani bump in popularity that it absolutely cannot afford to squander.<\/p>\n

To that effect, with a potential lockout looming, the owners and players association had better get their act together so fans don’t miss out on any games worth of Ohtani next season.<\/p>\n