LOS ANGELES, CA — Every once in a while, there is a need to discuss things in sports other than balls and strikes, three-point shots vs. lay-ups, going on 4th down, or punting. In response to allegations about possible betting on baseball by mega-superstar Shohei Ohtani, the two-time American League MVP and record-setting new 10-year, 700 million dollar two-way player for the Dodgers, punted.
He had no choice. He has put the ball on the other side of the field and looks to be digging in on defense. I don’t blame him. Social media has jumped on this with unsubstantiated allegations of him being deeply involved with betting, legal or not legal. MLB has stayed silent like they always do when they fear being judged as not being squeaky clean. There is also the fact that any loss of confidence in the honesty of a player in question, especially one of this magnitude, would hurt revenue for all thirty teams in MLB. How is that possible you ask?
Shohei Ohtani and Miguel Cabrera enjoying the 2022 All-Star Game festivities in Los Angeles, California – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Think of this: This year, all thirty teams will play each other, so Ohtani will be going to places that do not draw as much as the Dodgers, Yankees, Cubs, and Cardinals. Commissioner Rob Manfred would have to suspend him if he is found to have gambled on baseball or other sports. No Ohtani in Minnesota, Washington, Cincinnati, or Pittsburgh would see fewer big crowds, which would become a significant revenue loss for those not as rich as the Dodgers and Yankees.
The hypocrisy of the whole “We are squeaky clean” MLB image is that they have been in bed with gambling since they partnered with MGM Resorts International in November 2018. The signage is in your face for the entire game in these stadiums, promoting gambling. Most ballparks run a 50/50 raffle that, at Dodger Stadium, sometimes rises to well over $100,000. That is gambling!
Do you really believe the replay studio in New York was put there to get the calls 100% right for the fans?
One of a few appearances for Shohei Ohtani at Yankee Stadium throughout his MLB career. Each Angels-Yankees matchup in the Bronx, featuring Ohtani amassed to more than 43,000 fans in the seats – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Just think of this: Many times, a player is called out or safe by a fraction of an inch; that is only found by using technology that can zoom in with incredible clarity and then freeze the image in time. When that happens, someone betting on the play or eventual final score has either made or lost money. Partners always look out for one another.
The Ohtani story will haunt him and baseball forever. Guilty or not, this will be hard to forget. Major League Baseball is praying that this will all go away for fear of losing money. But they can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.
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Julio
March 28, 2024 at 11:54 am
Excellent article explaining the contradiction of being critical on betting, yet baseball as a whole is surrounded by everything that is about gambling.
Richard Araujo-Padilla
March 28, 2024 at 3:27 pm
So far, the only fact about this incident is, that Ippy Matzuhara is a liar.
He did not attend Riverside University as he claimed. He did not work for the Red Sox as he claimed.
Everything else is left to the imagination of anyone, the investigators, and MLB.
Shohei Ohtani must allow his performance on the field, to be the one to speak for him… and stay away from the betting world.
Nothing positive has ever been written about bettors‼️🤔
Julio Pabón
March 30, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Absolutely correct. Their is so many twists to this saga and because Ohtani is such a super star the news will linger, until he shuts it up as you say with his on field performance. MLB also wants this to go away ASAP.
Julian Guilarte
March 30, 2024 at 8:36 am
They need to address this ASAP very good piece.
Julio Pabón
March 30, 2024 at 1:25 pm
Thanks for your comment.