Shohei Ohtani Revives Special Celebration with Former Dodgers Coach
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani shared a heartwarming moment with an old friend Monday night. The Miami Marlins are in town, and they’re helmed by Clayton McCullough, who previously served as the Dodgers’ first base coach from 2021 to 2024. Aug 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) bumps helmets with first base coach Clayton McCullough (86) after hitting a single in the fifth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports McCullough and Ohtani shared a special bond in the 2024 season, Ohtani’s first with the Dodgers, and celebrated Ohtani’s visits to first base with a head bump. Ohtani says hello to former coach Ohtani and McCullough greeted each other as the slugger headed to the plate, and after he hit a single, Ohtani did his customary helmet bump with first base coach Chris Woodward. He then locked eyes with McCullough in the visitors’ dugout and gave him a simulated helmet bump as well, prompting a laugh from the Marlins manager.
Even two years after McCullough’s departure for Miami, the pair’s bond remains, something Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain noted. “Get someone that looks at you like Clayton McCullough looks at Shohei Ohtani,” he said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dodgers Nation (@dodgersnation) McCullough enjoyed the exchange with his former star Asked about the moment after the game, McCullough told Japanese media that he enjoyed the playful interaction.
“He gave me the phantom head bump,” McCullough said. “I was a little too far away to reciprocate, but it gave me a good chuckle. He’s a good sportsman and has fun out there playing.
I enjoy the competition against him, and it got a little chuckle out of me. ” Shohei Ohtani is known for his thoughtfulness It’s unsurprising that Ohtani made a friendly overture to his former coach, as he’s developed a reputation for being respectful to his opponents and officials. He greets every umpire and addresses them by name, something no one else in MLB does .