Shohei Ohtani and the Daruma Doll
Shohei Ohtani, who had long been reported to be dealing with issues involving his left knee, neck, and right biceps, was finally placed on the Injured List (IL) on September 11. This development has sparked a wide range of opinions in both the United States and Japan. Some argue that the decision to put him on the IL came too late.
So, when should Ohtani have gone on the IL? Some suggest he should have done so about a week earlier; had that happened, they argue, he almost certainly would have recovered and returned to action before the regular season ended.
Ohtani currently appears to be preparing for a comeback. There are reports that he began tee work on September 15. It is considered highly likely that he will return before the regular season concludes, or—failing that—be ready to play in the postseason.
At this point, I would like to state honestly what I think about the situation.
I possess no precise information regarding Ohtani's health. I do not know the actual condition of his left knee, neck, or right biceps. I cannot view X-rays, CT scans, or MRI images of those areas. Consequently, I cannot say anything with certainty; I can only make my own inferences based on watching him play.
Based on his play prior to being placed on the IL, here is what I inferred:
Ohtani should have gone on the IL in July and received proper treatment after a sufficient period of rest. He should not be playing at all this year—not just before the regular season ends, but even in the postseason. I do not believe that rushing back now would allow him to perform up to expectations, and there is even a risk that it could compromise his ability to play satisfactorily in future seasons. I do not believe Ohtani 's current physical condition is such that a short course of treatment will allow him to return to his usual level of play.
People might say my outlook is far too pessimistic. Yet, watching Ohtani play on TV since late July—observing his batting form in particular—this is the only conclusion I can reach.
I realize I have been writing quite presumptuously, but I truly hope I am wrong; after all, I want Ohtani—a player I adore—to get back to his brilliant, signature style of play as soon as possible.
There is no way for me to know exactly what the future holds for Ohtani, given the various physical issues he is facing. In fact, no one knows for sure. Still, I want him to return to the Ohtani of old, and I believe he will. Recently, a delightful event occurred that aligns with this hope of mine.
Japan has a unique object known as the "Daruma"—a traditional doll that has been cherished by the Japanese people for over two centuries. These dolls are designed to always spring back upright no matter how often they are pushed down; they symbolize the indomitable human spirit—the resolve to rise again whenever we are knocked down by life's hardships. I love the way of life the Daruma represents, which is why I have kept one in my bedroom for over fifty years.
This past May, an announcement was made in Japan that thrilled me: pre-orders were opening for the Daruma dolls modeled after Shohei Ohtani. I placed my order immediately, and the dolls arrived at my home in late August.
Those were crafted by "Daimonya," a long-established Daruma manufacturer in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture; those are magnificent works, with every step of the process carried out by hand by skilled artisans.
Ohtani is currently facing the greatest challenge of his baseball career. It is truly heartening, then, that a Daruma —a figure symbolizing an indomitable spirit—has been created in his image. I have decided to keep the Daruma dolls in my bedroom at home, believing that the day will surely come when Ohtani makes a comeback and thrills me with his play once again.
(If I 've made a mistake or left out something important, please let me know. I 'll try to make corrections or additions.)