shohei ohtani rogers centre home run

Shohei Ohtani's upper-deck batting practice bomb sends warning to Toronto Blue Jays

When the Toronto Blue Jays found out they'd be playing in the World Series, there were the usual feelings of excitement and anxiety that come with any big sports victory.

While the Jays had been through a historic postseason run in their first two rounds, one man struck fear into the hearts of their fanbase: Shohei Ohtani.

The Dodgers' two-way star has already transcended himself to the world of sports mythology, with his feats being described in the same way people would talk about seeing Wayne Gretzky or Bo Jackson in their respective primes.

And while his Dodgers team faces an uphill battle to repeat as World Series champions, Ohtani himself seems to be doing everything he can to will his team to victory.

Back in Toronto on Thursday night, Ohtani took to the Rogers Centre field for a bit of batting practice ahead of Friday's potential series-clinching Game 5.

And one particular swing, caught on camera by journalist Michael J. Duarte, showed exactly why Ohtani's an athlete unlike pretty much anyone on the planet.

A homer in batting practice from Ohtani made it all the way up to the Corona rooftop patio, located in the upper deck in right field.

According to Ian Hunter from the Blue Jay Hunter blog, just 22 upper-deck home runs have been hit at Rogers Centre since it opened in 1989.

Ohtani has hit eight home runs so far in the postseason, including three in the World Series against the Jays. While he won't score any runs officially for his upper-deck hack, it's a reminder about the power he possesses to pounce on the Blue Jays' pitching staff at any given moment.

And if you happen to be in the crowd for one of his at-bats, consider bringing a glove, no matter where you are located in the ballpark.

Lead photo by

@michaeljduarte


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