Shohei Ohtani showcased his compassionate side before the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the Colorado Rockies, creating a memorable encounter with 98-year-old Nagasaki atomic bomb survivor Momoyo Kelly.
The Emotional Pre-Game Reunion
Ohtani paused his training to warmly greet Momoyo Kelly, a survivor of the 1945 Nagasaki bombing. Born in 1926 in Kumamoto, Japan, she endured the blast at age 19. After surviving, she worked at a U.S. Air Force base, met her husband, and relocated to America at 26 to build a family. Accompanied by her daughter and grandson Patrick, Momoyo attended the game to see the Japanese star.
Ohtani signed a baseball for her and shared a heartfelt conversation, leaving a lasting impression.
Dodgers Stars Join the Special Moment
Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager born in Japan, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, and other players also spent time chatting with Momoyo. She described the interaction as “just a dream come true” and called Ohtani “Japan’s pride,” adding, “I watch Dodgers games every day.”
The touching exchange quickly spread across social media, captivating fans worldwide.
Ohtani’s Dominant Season Continues
In 19 games this season, Ohtani bats .264 with 5 home runs and 10 RBIs. On the mound, he stands 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA, striking out 18 in 18 innings.
Game Impact and Upcoming Start
Despite the Dodgers’ loss to the Rockies, Ohtani extended his on-base streak to 50 games with a ninth-inning hit—the third-longest in franchise history since 1900. After dropping two straight to Colorado, the Dodgers head to Oracle Park for a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants. Ohtani is set to start the second game on the 23rd.
