San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr., who is representing the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, made headlines after making a ‘call me’ gesture while holding a bottle of Shohei Ohtani-endorsed tea brand Oi Ocha at a press conference.
He was one of three players at the presser, joined by international teammates Juan Soto and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., both of whom removed the bottles from in front of them — likely due to personal brand deal reasons.
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Ito En’s “Oi Ocha” is a global sponsor for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, leading to their placement in front of the stars during the tournament.
Jun 19, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) engage on the field after benches cleared in the eighth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Ohtani partnered with Oi Ocha in 2024, as the company has used his likeness to promote the beverage both in Japan and the United States. The company has included his picture on bottles of the beverage both in his Dodgers uniform and in street clothes.
Japan and the Dominican Republic could face each other as soon as the first round of the knockout stage in the WBC, as Japan will face whoever finishes in second place in Pool D. Team Dominican Republic and Team Venezuela are tied for first in that group, and will face each other in the final game of the pool stage on Wednesday to determine who will face Japan.
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The situation involving Tatis brought on plenty of critiques from fans, with each sharing their views on each of the star’s actions.
The Dodgers Nation Instagram post on the incident also drew plenty of reactions from Dodger fans.
“Stick with ya Dairy Queen endorsement” -@limited_edition_alee, Instagram
“He only drinks if it has PED” -@bobbleheadz_805, Instagram
“Dodgers live rent free in all of their minds” -@playtoomuch_3, Instagram
“I mean, Big Sho is in all of their way, all the time, no MVP’s no World Series, probably no World Classic, he is literally everywhere and keeping them from ‘ships” -@dr.sandrascoachingcorner, Instagram
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“This looks like a ‘Ohtani is ruining my life’ group therapy session” -@kimbersystem, Instagram
What’s your take on Fernando Tatis Jr.’s gesture at the press conference?