Teoscar Hernández, an accomplished outfielder in Major League Baseball, shared an insightful and heartfelt story about his connection with Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the fact that they hadn’t been teammates for long, their relationship dates back to before they ever donned the same uniform. What makes their story even more intriguing is the fact that their paths crossed in unexpected ways and built a bond that transcended language barriers, cultural differences, and the usual distance that professional athletes often maintain. Here’s how Teoscar Hernández and Shohei Ohtani came to connect, how their friendship blossomed, and the mutual respect they’ve developed for one another.
The Beginning of Their Connection
The first time Teoscar Hernández encountered Shohei Ohtani was not as teammates in the Dodgers’ locker room but rather during their early careers in the major leagues. Hernández, who was born in the Dominican Republic, was no stranger to Ohtani’s meteoric rise in the MLB. Ohtani, who hails from Japan, had quickly captured the attention of the baseball world with his unmatched ability to pitch and hit at an elite level, something that had not been seen since Babe Ruth’s heyday. His unique skillset made him an instant sensation.
Hernández, who played for the Toronto Blue Jays at the time, remembers watching Ohtani’s performances and admiring his talent from afar. However, their connection didn’t begin on the field. Instead, it started through shared experiences in international baseball competitions and a mutual respect for one another’s skills.
Shared Experiences in International Baseball
Hernández and Ohtani’s connection began to form more concretely during the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Both players participated in the prestigious tournament, although they represented different countries. Hernández played for the Dominican Republic, and Ohtani represented Japan. Despite wearing different uniforms, they were part of a global community of baseball stars who dreamed of competing on the international stage.
The 2017 WBC was a particularly memorable event for both players. Although their respective teams didn’t face off in the tournament, both players were aware of each other’s presence and had the opportunity to watch the other perform at a high level. Teoscar recalls seeing Ohtani’s dominance on the mound and his explosive bat in the batter’s box, marveling at the sheer versatility that he exhibited. On the other hand, Ohtani was no stranger to the skill set of Teoscar Hernández. The Dominican outfielder had a strong reputation as a power hitter, and Ohtani had heard of his explosive bat from Japanese scouts.
Their mutual respect for one another was evident, even though they hadn’t yet interacted directly. What stood out to both of them was their shared love for the game and a sense of understanding that transcended the competition on the field.
Building the Bond in the MLB
While the WBC had helped foster a sense of camaraderie, it wasn’t until both players found themselves in the Major Leagues that their bond truly began to take shape. Teoscar Hernández, after making a name for himself in Toronto, was traded to the Seattle Mariners, where he played for a couple of years. During this time, he frequently faced Shohei Ohtani, who had joined the Los Angeles Angels. Despite being rivals on the field, there was a growing sense of mutual respect.
In their matchups, Hernández was always impressed by Ohtani’s ability to make an impact in every aspect of the game. He knew that Ohtani wasn’t just a typical player; Ohtani was a once-in-a-generation talent. Hernández had faced some of the best pitchers in the world, but Ohtani’s electric stuff—combined with his ability to hit towering home runs—left a lasting impression. When Hernández was at the plate against Ohtani, he would often look for an opportunity to speak to him, offering a tip of the cap or a friendly word of encouragement. Their interactions were always warm and respectful, even as they competed fiercely.
In these moments, Hernández began to realize that Ohtani was not only an exceptional talent but also a humble and focused individual who wasn’t interested in the typical showboating or distractions of professional sports. This sense of humility and dedication to the craft made a deep impression on Teoscar.
Becoming Teammates with the Dodgers
Despite having crossed paths on the field several times, it wasn’t until they both joined the Los Angeles Dodgers that their relationship truly flourished. In 2025, after Teoscar Hernández had spent some time with the Seattle Mariners and Shohei Ohtani had become one of the most famous players in MLB, both were signed by the Dodgers, creating an interesting dynamic. They were no longer just two players who admired each other from afar—they were teammates, playing for the same goal.
Teoscar recalls the excitement of being in the same clubhouse as Ohtani for the first time. “It was like meeting an old friend,” Teoscar says. “We’d seen each other on the field for so many years, but now we were on the same team, working together for the same goal.”
One of the first things that stood out to Hernández when they became teammates was Ohtani’s work ethic. Teoscar had seen Ohtani’s dedication from a distance, but seeing it firsthand was a different experience altogether. Whether it was Ohtani’s meticulous practice routines or the way he analyzed his at-bats and pitching performances, it was clear that he was committed to being the best. This sense of purpose resonated deeply with Hernández, who also viewed baseball as an art form, not just a sport.
The two began to bond over their shared commitment to getting better every day. There was no pretense in Ohtani’s approach—he was always striving for improvement, regardless of his already immense talent. For Teoscar, this was a huge source of inspiration. While Ohtani was known for his ability to play both as a pitcher and a hitter, Teoscar was no slouch with the bat himself, known for his own power-hitting prowess. They would spend time together discussing hitting techniques, sharing stories of their respective experiences with pitching and hitting, and exchanging tips.
Overcoming Language Barriers
One of the most remarkable aspects of their growing friendship is the fact that there was a language barrier between them. Ohtani, while fluent in English, often communicated more comfortably in Japanese, while Hernández spoke primarily in Spanish. This could have been a challenge for other players, but for Teoscar and Shohei, it was never a significant issue. Both players were aware of the importance of teamwork and cooperation, so they used the language they shared—baseball—to communicate their ideas and feelings.
Ohtani, ever the humble and hardworking player, would sometimes ask Teoscar for tips on hitting against certain pitchers or even on how to approach particular situations in games. Teoscar, in turn, would ask Ohtani for advice on his pitching mechanics and how he managed to maintain his focus during games. Despite the language differences, their mutual respect allowed them to communicate effectively through their shared love for the game of baseball.
Mutual Respect and Friendship
As the 2025 season progressed, it became clear that the friendship between Teoscar Hernández and Shohei Ohtani had grown stronger with each passing day. What began as a professional admiration for one another developed into a genuine friendship based on shared values and goals. Teoscar would often express his admiration for Ohtani’s dedication to his craft, and Ohtani, in turn, spoke highly of Teoscar’s discipline and commitment to improvement. Both players recognized in each other a similar drive to succeed, which only strengthened their bond.
In the clubhouse, the pair would often be seen talking about their shared experiences, sharing insights into the game, and enjoying each other’s company. There was a sense of joy and camaraderie in their friendship that was infectious to the rest of the team. Their ability to learn from each other, share their knowledge, and push one another to be better was a major factor in their success on the field.
