LOS ANGELES — During Japanese Heritage Night at the LA Dodgers game, Shohei Ohtani hit a 433-foot home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving the team a 4-3 lead.
Shohei Ohtani hits his 27th home run! Impressive swing.
pic.twitter.com/W4LgLIufiV— The Incline: Dodgers Podcast (@TheInclinePod) July 3, 2024
However, upon closer inspection, Ohtani’s home run hit a child in the head as it landed.
Shohei Ohtani’s home run accidentally hit this child in the face 😭 pic.com/7q9u3cmWtg
— Baseball King (@BasebaIlKing) July 3, 2024
Despite the impact, none of the surrounding adult fans were able to catch the ball. The ball had an exit velocity of 112 miles per hour, raising concerns for the child’s well-being.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t protect the little kid!😭😂 #Dodgers #ShoheiOhtani during a home run. pic.com/Ss449sRDmP
— Edward Cdog 🔜 SnuggleGoon (@RocketBunny4six) July 3, 2024
Concerned fans took to social media to express their dismay over the lack of action to protect the child.
“Lifetime ban for every uncoordinated fan within two seats,” one fan commented after the incident.
Following the incident, the camera captured Ohtani celebrating, which some criticized as inappropriate given the child’s injury.
“Look at the grin on his face as he hurts that child. The whole dugout was celebrating. Disgusting,” a sarcastic fan remarked on Reddit.
Did Shohei Ohtani’s 27th home run of the season hit a poor kid? Hopefully, they’ll give him the ball #LetsGoDodgers pic.com/XkBZEADPFJ
— Oscar Cancio (@Loco4LongBeach) July 3, 2024
As of now, there is no update on the child’s condition, but everyone hopes it was just a minor incident.
Following this event, fans are questioning whether there will be an apology from the Dodgers or Shohei to the child, similar to past gestures Ohtani has made towards fans.
The boy who received Ohtani’s first MLB home run ball
Met Shohei and even gave him a signed baseball bat pic.com/OJ5Bv5DAvq pic.com/BOOwZXGwo0
— shobae 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ 🦋 (@shoheisaveus) April 5, 2023
Despite the unfortunate incident, Shohei Ohtani maintains impressive performance this season, hitting a career-best .320 with 27 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 69 runs.
Following a 6-5 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Dodgers advance to a 53-33 record and lead the NL West division.
