When Shohei Ohtani was one home run away from hitting in MLB’s first 50-50 season, the Miami Marlins threw it like any other game. The result was baseball history and a bitter blow for the Marlins.
Some speculated that Miami might be pitching around Ohtani rather than ending up in highlight reels around the world, with the question apparently reaching Marlins manager Skip Schumaker in the dugout before Ohtani was at bat.
His answer was simple and reflected his character:
Although it was unconfirmed, a lip reader interpreted Schumaker’s full response as “Fuck it. I have too much respect for that guy to let that shit happen to me.”
Dodger fans were certainly grateful to Schumaker when Ohtani hit his 50th home run of the season against Marlins relief pitcher Mike Baumann, and even more so when Ohtani hit another home run in the ninth inning against outfield pitcher Vidal Brujan. Ohtani finished his night 6-for-6 with three home runs, two doubles, two stolen bases, four runs and 10 RBIs, perhaps the best offensive day in baseball history that didn’t feature a four-home run game.
The performance was part of a 20-4 loss to the Dodgers that gave Ohtani the first postseason appearance of his career. If there was any resentment over the uneven nature of the game, Schumaker didn’t let it show.
The coach explained to reporters his decision not to walk Ohtani and then effusively praised the Japanese star as the most talented player he had ever seen:
“That’s a bad move as far as baseball, karma and the baseball gods go. You go at him and see if you can get him out. I think out of respect for the game, we’re going to attack him. He hit the home run, that’s just the thing. He hit 50 of them. He’s the most talented player I’ve ever seen. He does things I’ve never seen in the game before, and if he has a few more of those peak years, he could be the best player ever. As a fan, I wish I was in the stands and not in the dugout and saw it, but I’m proud of the guys who attacked him and weren’t afraid of him. That’s the way to go about it.
It was a good day for baseball. A bad day for the Marlins.
The Dodgers reportedly appreciated Schumaker’s decision.
After a 50-50 season — and a 51-51 season — Ohtani and the 91-62 Dodgers can now focus on preparing for the playoffs and securing their 12th NL West title in 13 years. Thursday’s win increased their lead in the division to four games over the San Diego Padres with nine games remaining.
