Shohei Ohtani wins two ESPYs ... and Mike Tyson learns the Dodgers superstar is a guy
This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
See more from the L.A.Times in Google Search.
Set us as preferred Shohei Ohtani is a global superstar.The 2026 ESPY Awards provided the latest evidence of that, with the Dodgers two-way player winning two trophies, as determined by fan votes, at Wednesday night’s ceremony in New York.But as surprising at it may be — especially to those of us in the Los Angeles area who have witnessed the Japanese baseball phenomenon during his nine years with our local MLB teams — not everyone on the planet is familiar with the four-time MVP and two-time World Series champion.The ESPYs provided evidence of that as well.
Boxers Mike Tyson and Jake Paul joined musician DJ Khaled to present the award for best single-game performance.Ohtani — nominated for his historic Game 4 of the 2025 National League championship series against the Milwaukee Brewers — was the winner, as announced by Tyson.
Dodgers Plenty of questions loom as the Dodgers restart their season after the All-Star break.But naturally, two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s health is tied up in the answers.Paul told the crowd that Ohtani was unable to attend the event, but “he sends his gratitude and appreciation to ESPN and everyone who voted for him.”Afterward, a hot mic picked up Tyson seeming to ask Paul a rather unexpected question:“Shohei’s a guy?”The question seemed to be genuine, and Paul gave a casual response to his friend and former boxing opponent.
“Yeah, he’s a guy,” Paul appeared to say as the trio started leaving the stage.The Times reached out to a Tyson representative for comment but did not receive an immediate response.The cleats Shohei Ohtani wore during the Dodgers’ 2025 season opener in Japan could be yours if you’re willing to part with about $1 million.No shade toward Iron Mike for apparently not knowing much about Ohtani.Tyson is a legend in his sport and has a number of other ve...