Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani set the Internet alight with what was called a “bizarre celebration” against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday.
Just minutes into the first inning, the $700 million man raised eyebrows after slipping on the ground and stealing a base in the top of the first inning.
After stealing second base with two outs, Ohtani stood up, removed his left batting glove and began shaking it repeatedly near his groin area.
The ESPN broadcast did not comment on the gesture and left it out of the replay. However, fans were quick to remove the clip and share their thoughts on social media.
“Someone needs to tell Ohtani that (Bryson) Stott is a happily married man,” one user wrote, referring to the Phillies second baseman.
Shohei Ohtani went viral for a bizarre celebration after stealing a base against the Phillies
“He must have lost a bet,” added another, while a third suggested he “won’t be fined.”
“It’s good baseball etiquette to attack the catcher you just attacked,” a fourth commented.
While many resorted to lewd comments during the celebration, other users pointed out how the Japanese star was shaking dirt off his glove.
“I’m really confused as to whether he was doing something crazy or just trolling,” one user wrote. “He was shaking dirt off his glove from the slide.”
“Get that dirt out of that glove, Ohtani,” another echoed with a bicep-flexing emoji.
In his next turn at the plate, Ohtani hit a tying RBI single to center, going 2-for-2 on the night.
After stealing second base, Ohtani proceeded to brush dirt off his left batting glove.
Fans were quick to grab the clip and express their thoughts on the celebration on social media.
Ohtani is hitting .318 with 28 home runs, 66 RBIs, 22 stolen bases, a 1.039 OPS and 5.2 WAR.
The two-time American League MVP quickly established himself as a National League MVP candidate this year, proving worthy of the lucrative 10-year, $700 million contract he signed with the Dodgers in December.
After moving from the Angels to Orange County, Ohtani is now hitting .318 with 28 homers, 66 RBIs, 22 stolen bases, a 1.039 OPS and 5.2 WAR so far this season.
The Dodgers had a 55-37 record entering the game.
