Shohei Ohtani shows a different side of himself in his first year in Dodger Blue

LOS ANGELES — One of the best parts of sports is that it combines emotions with the rigors of competition. The MLB postseason has a way of focusing the entire emotional experience into its most intense form.

For the first time in his career, Shohei Ohtani experiences the atmosphere of the play-offs and the big moments that come with it. And after his no-doubt homer in Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani put those emotions on full display. Throwing his bat excitedly and watching in admiration before letting out a shout as he began his trot, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar let the world know he had arrived in the playoffs.

Ohtani’s emotional investment was also reflected in Wednesday’s 8-0 equalizer, when the Japanese superstar, who was quickly making waves on social media, appeared to take offense at a referee’s interference in a fair ball.

“I completely forgot about it,” Ohtani told reporters through an interpreter on Thursday when asked about the moment. The answer elicited laughter.

The postseason — which has been extended for the Dodgers to a Game 5 on Friday at Dodger Stadium — isn’t the first time this year that Ohtani has shown his emotions in big moments. In fact, he has become increasingly demonstrative this season. That may not be surprising, as his first year with the Dodgers has given him more big moments than years before and in front of a much larger audience.

“Playing a regular season game and playing a playoff game is different,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “And I think a lot of players end up playing along [and] showing their emotions. So I feel like I’m part of that.”

Ohtani wasn’t always one to express emo on or around the diamond. During his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, even as he was transforming into the best player in the world, he remained reserved in his responses and kept his emotions close to the vest.

The beginning of this shift for Ohtani came during last year’s World Baseball Classic. In what felt like a postseason environment, Ohtani – pitching as a closer for Team Japan against Team USA – showed a side of himself that few baseball fans had seen before. When he eliminated then-teammate Mike Trout to seal his team’s victory, we saw the ultimate joy and passion of a competitor as he threw down his glove before hugging his compatriots. In that moment, Ohtani showed he was no baseball cyborg.

This year, the two-time MVP put on a show during his first season in Dodger Blue, slashing .310/.390/.646 with a league-high 54 home runs and 197 career hits on his way to becoming the first member of the 50-50 club. Throughout this historic season there were bat flips, celebrations and even the occasional “Let’s f***ing go!” – yes, in English – while pumping up his teammates.

This isn’t the same Ohtani we’ve seen for the past six years. It is a new, more comfortable and confident version.

“I’m not surprised by it,” Ohtani said of his more exuberant performances. “I think it’s also part of who I am. Naturally respectful and taking the opponent into account. I think it’s an important part of the game.”

It probably helps that Ohtani is playing for a winning ball club for the first time in his career. After six seasons with no playoffs on the line, his greatness is no longer just about individual performance; it’s also about team success as LA tries to win the World Series. Another win will put the Dodgers in the NLCS, where the Mets await.

“I think he realizes he’s the best player in the world,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I do think that over the course of the season he has become who he intrinsically is. … I think winning helps.

“He is very isolated, very quiet and keeps to himself, private. But I do think he’s obviously a crazy person. He loves to have fun. He is an insanely good competitor.”

Whether it was 6-for-6 with three home runs and 10 RBI in the game, he reached 50-50, hit a walk-off grand slam to join the 40-40 club or hit a home run in his postseason debut, Ohtani has shown on countless occasions that he lives for the big moment. He is one of the few players who is seemingly able to rise to the occasion every time.

“I’m really focused on winning the game and doing whatever I can to help the team win the game,” he said. “That’s something I’m really focusing on, rather than overcomplicating things and thinking beyond that.”

Ohtani shows who he is and lets fans feed off his energy so the sport’s biggest superstar can continue his rise as one of the most popular athletes in the world. And quite simply, it’s great for the sport itself to see the best player in the world be great in the biggest moments.

“When he sees people having fun and seeing themselves enjoying themselves in moments – I think we’ve seen more of that over the course of the season – I think that’s a good thing for him because it’s fair,” Roberts said .

“This man is not just a robot. He is a real person with emotions. So I think this is good for everyone.”