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Shohei Ohtani Became the First Funny Meme of MLB Season During Dodgers-Cubs in Tokyo

Andy Nesbitt

Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers kicked off the 2025 MLB season in Tokyo.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers kicked off the 2025 MLB season in Tokyo. / @MLBonFox
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Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are currently kicking of their season against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo and it didn't take long for the reigning NL MVP to become the first funny meme of the year.

The defending champions are the favorites to win it all again and a lot of that is thanks to Ohtani. Tuesday's game was an early start in the U.S., with the first pitch being thrown shortly after 5 a.m. ET.

During the top of the eighth inning the Fox broadcast showed Ohtani on the bench and he seemed to be having an issue with eyes, which was pretty relatable for fans who got up early to watch the game.

Fans loved that.

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Andy Nesbitt
ANDY NESBITT

Andy Nesbitt is the assistant managing editor of audience engagement at Sports Illustrated. He works closely with the Breaking and Trending News team to shape SI’s daily coverage across all sports. A 20-year veteran of the sports media business, he has worked for Fox Sports, For the Win, The Boston Globe and NBC Sports, having joined SI in February 2023. Nesbitt is a golf fanatic who desperately wants to see the Super Bowl played on a Saturday night.

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