Shohei Ohtani's World Series moment was prepared by his job of cleaning toilets.

The World Series between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers is the biggest stage in baseball, and Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese slugger, is the biggest star.

Although he is known for his impressive on-field performance, including hitting mammoth home runs, pitching over 100 mph, and stealing bases with ease, the 30-year-old is also recognized for being one of the most humble players in the league.

When he was a promising high school athlete, Ohtani was taught an approach that emphasized shaping him not only as an athlete but also as a person. This approach was implemented by coach Hiroshi Sasaki at Hanamaki Higashi High School, as detailed in journalist Jeff Fletcher's 2022 book "Sho-Time".

During the season, players who stayed at the school were assigned chores, with the pitchers being responsible for cleaning the bathroom due to the extra attention they receive when on the mound.

"Sasaki previously stated to the LA Times that the mound is the highest point on the field and serves as a stage. Being on this stage attracts the most attention, resulting in interviews and extensive coverage."

To keep his pitchers, including star Ohtani, humble, the coach assigned them a task.

"Fletcher recounted Sasaki's words in his book: "When they're on the mound, they're at the top." Throughout the day, Fletcher instructed them to perform the lowest tasks. Despite this, Shohei remained uncomplaining."

The objective of the task was to instill a sense of pride and responsibility in players, regardless of their position.

"According to Sasaki, the cleanliness of bathrooms in Japanese department stores and hotels reflects the value of a place and the purpose of its inhabitants. As he stated to the Times, "Bathrooms are the most important place in an establishment, just like the mound is the most important place on the field.""

Despite his success in the big leagues, Ohtani has remained humble and is known to pick up garbage on the field.

Despite the rising ticket prices for the Yankees-Dodgers series due to fans' demand to witness Ohtani and Aaron Judge compete for their first World Series title, Ohtani remains unfazed by the pressure.

"I imagined reaching this stage with the contract I signed, and now that the Dodgers have eliminated the Mets, I'm thrilled to be here."

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