MLB playoffs: Shohei Ohtani is showing a different side of himself on the October stage

LOS ANGELES — One of the best parts about sports is that it blends emotions with the rigors of competition. The MLB postseason has a way of concentrating the entire emotional experience into its most intense form.

For the first time in his career, Shohei Ohtani is getting to feel the playoff atmosphere and the big moments that come with it. And following his no-doubt homer in Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani put those emotions on full display. Tossing his bat in excitement and watching in admiration before letting out a scream as he began his trot, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar let the world know he had arrived in the playoffs.

Ohtani’s emotional investment was also on display in Wednesday’s series-tying 8-0 victory, when the Japanese superstar, in a moment widely circulated on social media, appeared to take umbrage with an umpire’s interference with a fair ball.

“I totally forgot about it,” Ohtani told reporters via an interpreter when asked about the moment on Thursday. The response drew laughter.

The postseason — which for the Dodgers has extended to a Game 5 on Friday at Dodger Stadium — isn’t the first time this year that Ohtani has let his emotions show in big moments. In fact, throughout this season, he has been increasingly demonstrative. That perhaps shouldn’t be surprising, given that his first year with the Dodgers has granted him more big moments than years prior and in front of a much larger audience.

“Playing a regular-season game and playing a playoff game is different,” Ohtani said via an interpreter. “And I think a lot of players end up playing with [and] showing their emotions. So I feel like I’m part of that.”

Ohtani hasn’t always been one to emote on or around the diamond. During his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, even as he was transforming into the world’s best player, he stayed reserved in his reactions and kept his emotions close to the vest.

The beginning of this shift for Ohtani happened during last year’s World Baseball Classic. In a postseason environment as the closer for Japan against Team USA, Ohtani got to display a side of himself few got to see. When he struck out his then-teammate Mike Trout, there was joy and passion from a competitor as he tossed his glove before embracing his countrymen. And in that moment, he showed he wasn’t some baseball cyborg.

The two-time MVP put on a show during his first season in Dodger blue, slashing .310/.390/.646 with a league-leading 54 homers, career-high 197 hits and he became the first member of the 50-50 club. Throughout the historic season, there were bat flips, celebrations, and even the occasional “Let’s [expletive] go” (yes, in English) while pumping up his teammates.

This isn’t the same Ohtani. It’s a new, comfortable and confident version.

“I’m not surprised by it,” Ohtani said. “I do think it’s part of who I am as well. Obviously being respectful and mindful of the opponent. I think it’s an important part of the game.”

For the first time in his career, he’s playing for a winning ballclub. After six seasons with nothing playoff-wise on the line, his greatness hasn’t just meant individual success, but team success as L.A. tries to win the World Series. One more victory will put the Dodgers in the NLCS, where the Mets await.

“I think he does realize he’s the best player on the planet,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I do think that he’s become over the course of the season, I think who he intrinsically is. … I think winning helps.

“He’s very isolated, very quiet, and stays to himself, private. But I do think that naturally he is a goofy person. He’s fun-loving. He’s a crazy good competitor.”

Whether it was going 6-for-6 with three homers and 10 RBIs the same game he goes 50/50, a walk-off grand slam to join the 40/40 club or a homer in his postseason debut, Ohtani has shown on numerous occasions that he lives for the moment. And he’s one of a handful of players that is seemingly able to rise to the occasion every time.

“I’m really focused on winning the game and whatever I can do to help the team win the game,” Ohtani said of his ability to meet big moments. “That’s something that I really focus on instead of overcomplicating things and thinking besides that.”

Seeing the best player in the world be great in the biggest moments is great for the sport itself. Ohtani showing who he is and letting fans feed off his energy helps the sport’s biggest superstar continue his rise as one of the most popular athletes in the world.

“When he sees people having fun, enjoying themselves in moments, I think we’ve seen more of that over the course of the season, I think that’s a good thing for him because it’s honest,” Roberts said.

“This guy is not just a robot. He’s a real person who has emotions. So I think this is good for everybody.”