Shohei Ohtani, the two-way player of Los Angeles Angels, is known to keep a low profile off the field and focus solely on baseball. Any requests for his time, including those for autographs or special field meetings, were generally managed by his agent, Nez Balelo of CAA, and often denied. Ohtani, Balelo, and Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, were known to operate as a united front, preventing unnecessary distractions for Ohtani. This relationship was marred by Mizuhara’s theft of almost $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts, a situation that further highlighted the secretive dynamic between the three.
Despite the language barrier between Ohtani and Balelo, with Mizuhara assigned as the translator, the three had developed an unusual dynamic. Mizuhara was given the responsibility of handling Ohtani’s day-to-day affairs. Ohtani’s single-mindedness towards baseball and Balelo’s concern of losing Ohtani as his client has perhaps contributed to the ignorance towards Mizuhara’s illicit activities regarding a bank account.
Ohtani, while suffering a blow with Mizuhara’s misdeeds, has continued to thrive as a player and a brand. He leads the National League in Wins Above Replacement (5.4), slugging percentage (.638), OPS (1.039) and home runs (30). Furthermore, Ohtani is also reported to be closing in on nearly $100 million annually in endorsements, according to an industry insider.
In light of Mizuhara’s exit, Ohtani’s recent actions on-field suggest a more assertive attitude, indicating a growing comfort with conversing in English. One of Ohtani’s teammates, Freddie Freeman, has praised the player’s competitive spirit and communicativeness during games. The Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, also commended Ohtani’s newfound independence since Mizuhara’s departure.
Ohtani’s intense commitment to baseball has also provided an insight into the impact of Japan’s cultural ethos that emphasizes singular focus and excellence in one’s chosen field. However, this same commitment has raised concerns about his lack of social engagement off the field and his oblivion to foul play in his financial affairs.
In the wake of Mizuhara’s departure, Ohtani’s agent, Balelo, has assumed a greater role, taking up more responsibilities for his client. Despite the challenges that have marred Ohtani’s personal and professional life, Ohtani has continued to rise in stature and thrive in his career, with the ghost of Mizuhara’s misdeeds hardly affecting his global standing.
