Shohei Ohtani Gives Away $150k in Homerun Derby Money to Angels Trainers, Staff
Dustin Bradford, Getty Images
Major League pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has been in the news lately more for criticism from others than his own numerous recent distinguished accomplishments. But he’s had renewed attention overnight and into Saturday when his decision on what to do with his Home Run Derby money was reported and hit social media big time.
Ohtani decided before the Derby that, whatever the outcome, he was going to share with non-player members of the ball club. And that’s exactly what he did, spreading the $150,000 he earned among Los Angeles Angels trainers, clubhouse workers, and staff.
The move resulted in a number of viral tweets in praise.
Shohei Ohtani is an actual king. pic.twitter.com/04F3OzW6FU
— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) July 17, 2021
That excerpt is from an article by the Orange County Register‘s Jeff Fletcher, who covers the Angels. His tweet resulted in an outpouring of praise.
*The* face of MLB. https://t.co/l1z48EjmHW
— Cealey Godwin (@CealeyGodwin) July 17, 2021
This is awesome. https://t.co/7uKiY8GJ3I
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 17, 2021
Real one. https://t.co/xf3mHjOB3p
— Russell Dorsey (@Russ_Dorsey1) July 17, 2021
Even more of a fan now https://t.co/pRAjszRsMp
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) July 17, 2021
yo Stephen A shush https://t.co/XGCupwiX4E
— Harley D. Z. (@CeedeeLambROY) July 17, 2021
Shohei Ohtani is a beacon of light … in any language https://t.co/osc97DhUGa
— Brian Martin (@TheBMartin) July 17, 2021
Wonderful https://t.co/QhyxStfy5o
— Cody Decker (@Decker6) July 17, 2021
Ohtani somehow gets cooler. This is amazing. https://t.co/I6uR1Rl308
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) July 17, 2021
Ohtani is quickly rising from fan favorite to national superstar, and it’s moments like this that people are going to remember more than any careless commentary from ESPN personalities.
