Former teammate shares a glimpse of what Ohtani is really like

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani. Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Former teammate shares a glimpse of what Shohei Ohtani is really like

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/12/23

The baseball world doesn't need any more reasons to adore Shohei Ohtani, but recently, a former teammate provided one.

Jack Kruger, a catcher who spent five seasons with the Angels' organization, shared a story on Twitter revealing what Ohtani is really like off the field during a wholesome encounter last season.

Last year, now a member of the Texas Rangers, Kruger crossed paths with Ohtani for what he guessed was maybe the third or fourth time.

However, while working out pregame ahead of a Rangers vs. Angels game in Anaheim, Ohtani spotted Kruger, greeting him with wide eyes and a smile. After sharing a hug, the two caught up like old pals, to Kruger's astonishment.

"I can't overstate how insignificant I was to Shohei's career and life, and yet, he treated me with the highest level of respect," Kruger said. "It would have been completely reasonable for him to forget who I was, but he didn't."

We shared a hug, and he asked how I was.

I did the same.

I can't overstate how insignificant I was to Shohei's career and life, and yet, he treated me with the highest level of respect.

It would have been completely reasonable for him to forget who I was, but he didn't.
— Jack Kruger (Sports & Business) (@imjackkruger) March 11, 2023

Appearing in only one Major League game over a seven-year career, Kruger's meetings with Ohtani were few and far between and usually occurred in spring training.

So for Ohtani to remember and go out of his way to speak with Kruger only shows that his reputation as one of baseball's good guys is well-earned.

One could hear billions of stories about Ohtani, but few will capture the warmness of Kruger's brief interaction with the Angels' star.

"From the little time I spent around Shohei, I got the sense that this is how he lives," Kruger said. "Joyfully and respectfully."

If being a likable, down-to-earth person made you a millionaire, Ohtani might be the wealthiest man in the world. Fortunately for Ohtani, his baseball skills pay the bills, and the 28-year-old is nearing a hefty payday.

Ohtani's eligible for free agency at the end of the 2023 campaign, and teams are already preparing for the bidding war. In February, a report emerged stating that Ohtani could become baseball's first "$600M man."

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