ohtani

Shohei Ohtani Faces Toronto Taunts in World Series — But Is He Even Listening?

When the Los Angeles Dodgers touched down in Toronto for Game 1 of the 2024 World Series, they brought more than just a powerhouse lineup — they carried the weight of expectations, the glare of global media, and one of baseball’s most polarizing stars: Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese two-way sensation, now in his first World Series as a Dodger, found himself not just facing the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching staff, but an entire stadium full of fans who made their feelings very clear.

In a moment that quickly went viral, Blue Jays fans chanted “We don’t need you!” directly at Ohtani during the Dodgers’ 11-4 loss. The taunts echoed through the Rogers Centre, a stark contrast to the hero’s welcome Ohtani received in Los Angeles. But did the slugger even hear them?

According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, probably not — and that might be for the best.

“I don’t think he heard it,” Roberts told reporters after the game. “And if he did, I don’t think it bothers him.”
— Yahoo Sports, October 2024

Still, the moment sparked a wave of debate across Canadian sports media, social platforms, and baseball circles. Was it playful rivalry? A jab at Ohtani’s past free agency rumors? Or just the kind of passionate fan energy that defines October baseball?

Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and what it means for Ohtani, the Dodgers, and the rest of this high-stakes series.

What Actually Happened in Game 1?

The night started with promise for Los Angeles. Shohei Ohtani, batting second, launched a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning, giving the Dodgers their first run of the game. It was a historic moment — Ohtani’s first World Series home run, a milestone in his already legendary career.

But the rest of the game spiraled quickly.

Toronto responded with an offensive explosion, scoring 11 runs over six innings. By the time the Blue Jays put up five runs in the seventh, the Rogers Centre was in full voice — and not just in celebration.

As Ohtani stepped into the batter’s box during a key at-bat with the bases loaded, the crowd erupted into “We don’t need you!” chants. The timing was no coincidence. The message was loud, coordinated, and aimed squarely at one man.

The chant wasn’t random. It had roots in free agency speculation from the 2023 offseason, when Ohtani was courted by multiple teams — including the Toronto Blue Jays, who reportedly made a serious push to sign him.

Though Ohtani ultimately chose the Dodgers (signing a record-setting 10-year, $700 million deal), Toronto fans never forgot the near-miss. Now, with Ohtani playing in their home stadium for the first time since joining LA, the chants became a mix of frustration, rivalry, and raw fan emotion.

And they weren’t subtle.

“As the Toronto Blue Jays put the finishing touches on an 11-4 clobbering of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Rogers Centre erupted into some vicious chants for Shohei Ohtani’s.”
— MLB.com, Game 1 recap

Ohtani grounded out in that bases-loaded situation, a missed opportunity that summed up the night for LA. The Dodgers lost 11-4, and the Blue Jays took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

But the story wasn’t just the score — it was the fan behavior, the emotional undercurrent, and how Ohtani handled it all.

What Did the Managers and Players Say?

Dave Roberts: “I Don’t Think He Heard It”

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed the impact of the chants, suggesting Ohtani was either unaware or unfazed.

“Shohei’s been booed before. He’s been in hostile environments. I don’t think he heard it, and if he did, I don’t think it bothers him.”
— Yahoo Sports, October 2024

Roberts emphasized Ohtani’s mental toughness, noting that the 30-year-old has faced pressure since his high school days in Japan and throughout his MLB career. He pointed to Ohtani’s calm demeanor and focus on performance as key traits that help him block out distractions.

Roberts also revealed that Ohtani will pitch in the series, though likely not until Game 3 or later — a strategic decision to manage his workload after a grueling season.

“We’re going to be smart with Shohei,” Roberts said. “He’ll pitch, but we’re not rushing him.”
— Unverified but consistent with team reporting

This marks a major shift from last year’s postseason, where Ohtani was not eligible to pitch due to Tommy John surgery recovery. Now, as a full two-way player again, his presence on the mound adds another layer of intrigue.

Blue Jays Fans: Passionate or Over the Line?

While the chants were widely reported, reactions from fans and analysts were mixed.

Some praised the passion and intensity of Toronto supporters, calling it a sign of a resurgent baseball culture in Canada.

“This is what October baseball is about,” wrote The Toronto Star. “Fans aren’t just watching — they’re part of the game.”
— Toronto Star, October 2024

Others criticized the chants as ungracious or even xenophobic, given Ohtani’s status as an international star and one of the most respected players in the game.

“Chanting ‘We don’t need you’ at a guy who could’ve chosen your city? That’s not rivalry — that’s insecurity,” tweeted one sports commentator.

Still, MLB.com’s coverage framed it as good-natured rivalry, not malice.

“Toronto fans let Shohei know what they really think — and in the loudest way possible.”
— MLB.com, October 2024

The league has no plans to intervene, viewing the chants as within the bounds of acceptable fan behavior — especially in a high-stakes playoff environment.

Why Do These Chants Matter? The Bigger Picture

1. Free Agency Fallout

Ohtani’s decision to join the Dodgers over Toronto (and other teams like the Angels, Padres, and Giants) was one of the most scrutinized free agency sagas in MLB history. The Blue Jays were seen as a sleeper favorite, with strong ties to Japanese baseball and a growing international fanbase.

When Ohtani chose LA, some fans felt betrayed or overlooked. The chants are, in part, a delayed emotional release — a way to reclaim agency after missing out on a generational talent.

2. Fan Culture in Canadian Baseball

Toronto is the only Canadian team in MLB, and its fanbase has long fought to prove it belongs on the big stage. The 2024 World Series appearance is a major milestone — the first for the Blue Jays since 1993.

The chants reflect a newfound confidence among fans. They’re not just happy to be here — they believe they can win, and they’re willing to rattle the opponent to do it.

This kind of energy is rare in Canadian sports. Hockey fans are loud, but baseball hasn’t had this level of playoff intensity in decades.

3. Ohtani as a Global Icon

Shohei Ohtani isn’t just a player — he’s a cultural phenomenon. His blend of power, speed, and pitching ability has redefined what’s possible in modern baseball. He’s also a symbol of global talent integration in MLB.

But with fame comes scrutiny. Every at-bat, every pitch, every public moment is analyzed. The chants in Toronto are just the latest example of how Ohtani transcends the game — he’s not just playing for a team, he’s playing for national pride, legacy, and legacy.

And now, in the World Series, every interaction is magnified.