Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ dual-threat sensation, is no stranger to the spotlight. Whether he’s dazzling fans with his pitching and hitting prowess or making headlines for breaking records, Ohtani’s athletic talents have made him one of the most recognizable figures in Major League Baseball. But recently, the two-way superstar has been generating buzz for a different reason: preparing for fatherhood. And in true Ohtani fashion, the world has been watching as the typically private and composed player navigates this new chapter of his life.
Ohtani’s transition into fatherhood has been filled with advice from all directions, but one particularly interesting source of parenting wisdom has come from a surprising place: his 32-year-old teammate, veteran outfielder Jason Heyward. The well-traveled, 14-year MLB veteran has built a reputation not only as an outstanding defender and clutch hitter but also as a leader in the clubhouse. In an unexpected moment of camaraderie, Heyward shared some lighthearted—but no less valuable—parenting advice with Ohtani.
The advice was simple but undeniably practical: “Sleep now, when the baby comes.” It’s the kind of no-nonsense wisdom that only a seasoned father and teammate can provide—especially someone who’s been through the sleepless nights of new parenthood. While Ohtani might not be the type to seek out advice, Heyward’s guidance was a reminder that even the world’s most extraordinary athletes must face the challenges of everyday life.
### The Rookie Dad: Ohtani’s Leap into Fatherhood
For Ohtani, who is known for his laser-like focus on baseball and his rather private nature, the thought of fatherhood might seem a bit outside his usual realm of expertise. While his on-field accomplishments—such as his MVP-winning seasons and historic achievements as both a pitcher and a batter—are the talk of the sports world, off the field, Ohtani is a far more reserved figure.
Ohtani’s news of expecting a baby sent waves through the sports media, sparking conversations about how he would balance the pressure of being one of MLB’s most celebrated players with the demanding responsibilities of being a new parent. For someone like Ohtani, whose dedication to his craft borders on obsession, the birth of a child could signify a whole new set of adjustments—not just physically but emotionally and mentally as well.
Although Ohtani has yet to publicly share many details about his upcoming fatherhood journey, those close to him have offered glimpses of his character. Friends and teammates often describe him as serious but approachable, with a good sense of humor and a deep commitment to those he cares about. So, when Jason Heyward took the opportunity to share some parenting wisdom, it wasn’t just a passing comment—it was a genuine moment of mentorship between two players who have shared time on the field and a space in the Dodgers’ clubhouse.
### Jason Heyward’s Parenting Experience
Jason Heyward, unlike Ohtani, has already crossed the threshold of fatherhood. A father of two young children, Heyward has experienced the ups and downs that come with raising a family, all while balancing the pressures of a major league career. Over the years, he’s openly shared stories of his family life, speaking fondly about how his children motivate him both on and off the field.
In an interview with Dodgers’ media earlier this season, Heyward reflected on how fatherhood had changed his perspective on baseball. “It’s funny how kids just remind you of what’s truly important in life,” he said. “They don’t care how good you are at baseball. They just care that you’re there for them when they need you.”
Heyward’s ability to juggle the demands of family and baseball speaks volumes about his resilience, and this is the kind of wisdom that he shared with Ohtani. With the notoriously grueling MLB season in full swing, coupled with the challenges of new parenthood, Heyward’s advice was a simple but wise reminder to prioritize rest before the sleepless nights of raising a baby begin.
For Ohtani, who has been known to put in marathon training sessions and tirelessly hone his craft, the suggestion to “sleep now” is a reminder that there’s only so much you can prepare for. Even a superhuman athlete like Ohtani can’t escape the inevitable exhaustion of parenthood. With his first child on the way, balancing the demands of fatherhood with the pressures of playing at an elite level will require all of Ohtani’s focus and discipline.
### “Sleep Now, When the Baby Comes”: More Than Just Practical Advice
While Heyward’s advice might seem like a casual remark, it speaks to a deeper truth about the balance between professional sports and personal life. For Ohtani, the pressure of maintaining his high level of play while becoming a father could be challenging. Major League Baseball, with its demanding travel schedules, late nights, and long games, is a job that leaves little room for rest. So when Heyward tells Ohtani to “sleep now,” he’s not just giving practical advice about managing exhaustion; he’s subtly reminding him to cherish the calm before the storm.
This advice also emphasizes the unique experience that athletes like Ohtani face when they start families. Unlike a typical nine-to-five worker, who can often find ways to manage work-life balance, elite athletes have careers that demand extreme commitment. For someone like Ohtani, who is on the field almost every day, the concept of time away from the game is a rare luxury. When that time is not consumed by the pressure of performance, it’s likely spent with family. So the idea of sleep becomes more than just a physical necessity—it’s a way for Ohtani to recalibrate and prepare for the major life transition that awaits him.
### The Dodgers’ Close-Knit Clubhouse Culture
The advice exchange between Heyward and Ohtani also highlights a central aspect of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ culture: the strength of their clubhouse. With a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy, the Dodgers have established an environment where players lean on each other not just for baseball tips but for personal guidance as well. Heyward, with his years of experience both on and off the field, has naturally taken on a mentoring role within the clubhouse, offering his support to younger players like Ohtani.
In a sport where individual performance is often highlighted, the importance of team camaraderie cannot be understated. This kind of mentorship, especially between players from different backgrounds and experiences, is part of what makes the Dodgers a perennial contender. And for Ohtani, a player who’s known to keep a low profile, knowing he has teammates like Heyward to offer advice on balancing family and career adds a layer of support as he navigates the challenges ahead.
### Ohtani’s Fatherhood: The Next Chapter
As Shohei Ohtani prepares to become a father, he enters this next phase of life with the same determination that has defined his career. While the baseball world has marveled at his athletic feats, the true test of his resilience may lie in how he balances his role as a father with his pursuit of greatness on the diamond. The arrival of his child will undoubtedly bring challenges, but the advice from Jason Heyward reminds him that there’s more to life than baseball. And when the pressures of fatherhood and professional sports converge, Ohtani can look to his teammates for both guidance and support.
“Sleep now, when the baby comes,” might just be the most practical advice Ohtani will receive during this momentous transition. After all, being prepared for parenthood requires more than just physical readiness—it takes mental and emotional strength. And with the Dodgers behind him, Ohtani is well-positioned to tackle this new chapter of his life, with the same unwavering focus that has made him one of the most impressive athletes in baseball history.
In the end, whether it’s on the field or in the home, Ohtani’s next challenge may very well be his greatest one yet. But with support from teammates like Heyward, Ohtani will surely face fatherhood—and everything that comes with it—with the same poise and determination that have marked his incredible career.