Having Shohei Ohtani on your team is always a luxury, be it on the field or outside the ballpark. Ever since signing Ohtani, fandom for the Dodgers has only increased. And today, before the Dodgers took the Brewers down in Game of the NLCS, one such massive support they received was from the NBA star Tyrese Haliburton.
While the Dodgers made sure not to let Blake Snell’s eight shutout innings go in vain, the Pacers star was spotted donning an Ohtani jersey, which was screaming his support for the Dodgers.
One fan, who spotted Haliburton, was quick to share a photo of the same. “Wearing the Ohtani jersey cuz they’re playing Milwaukee. Haliburton is an S-tier troll.” While there is no doubt about Ohtani’s fandom, the $244.6 million star may have worn the Dodgers gear for a whole different reason.
Tyrese Haliburton sat courtside wearing a Shohei Ohtani Dodgers jersey during Monday’s preseason game. Fans watching could sense the subtle tension, remembering Haliburton’s Wisconsin roots and past sports interactions.
Haliburton’s history with the Brewers goes back to a first-pitch invitation reportedly rescinded last summer. He had been scheduled to throw the ceremonial first pitch, but the Brewers canceled after the Pacers’ playoff wins. He later explained, “I’m no longer a Brewers fan,” reflecting his personal reaction to the change in plans. This context gives meaning to the Dodgers jersey, showing the gesture was more about history than preference perhaps.
This is not the first time he has made a subtle statement during Brewers games, recalling the Cubs jersey. On October 11, he wore a Chicago Cubs jersey while the Brewers played the Cubs in the NLDS. The drama extends into the NBA, where the Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks in consecutive playoffs. Together, these moments create a layered narrative, letting fans feel the story beyond the games themselves.
Tyrese has mastered the art of subtle sports commentary without ever saying a word aloud. His Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani jersey was less about fandom and more about sending Milwaukee a playful reminder. Fans watching can only marvel as Haliburton turns courtside fashion into a perfectly executed statement.
Shohei Ohtani must show up
The Dodgers fans have spent the season watching a masterclass from Shohei Ohtani, only to see it vanish when the stakes got real. In the postseason, the same bats that crushed records in July are suddenly silent, leaving Dodgers manager Dave Roberts staring at box scores like they’re abstract art. As the NLCS looms, the team’s championship hopes hinge on Ohtani remembering he’s still the best hitter in baseball.
Shohei Ohtani struggled mightily against the Phillies in the NLDS, going just 1-for-18 at the plate. He walked twice, struck out nine times, and batted a measly .056, highlighting postseason struggles. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted, “We’re not going to win the World Series with that sort of performance.”
Roberts emphasized that Ohtani must recalibrate and better manage the hitting zone against left-handed pitching. He noted, “I’m counting on it. We’re all counting on it,” showing team reliance on his resurgence. If Ohtani fails to regain form, the Dodgers’ championship aspirations could falter, leaving fans anxious and tense.
If Shohei Ohtani struggles again, the Dodgers’ World Series dreams may evaporate before our eyes. Dave Roberts and Los Angeles cannot afford another postseason where their superstar simply disappears offensively. Fans hope Ohtani remembers July’s magic, or the NLCS could feel like a cruel rerun.
