The 2025 MLB postseason witnessed a delightful crossover of sports and pop culture, thanks to a personal choice made by baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. As he stepped up to the plate at Dodger Stadium, the familiar, soaring notes of Michael Bublé's version of 'Feeling Good' filled the air, becoming his signature walk-up anthem. This musical selection, however, held a charming secret that surprised even the singer himself.
A Proud Yet Conflicted Canadian Crooner
The story behind the song came to light when Michael Bublé met Ohtani ahead of the World Series. Bublé, recounting the moment on The Stephen A. Smith Show, revealed he directly asked the Dodgers phenom why he had chosen his rendition. The answer was swift and heartwarming. Ohtani simply nodded towards his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, indicating she was the one responsible for the pick. This simple gesture and the reason behind it brought a wide smile to the Canadian singer's face.
Bublé described experiencing a mix of emotions. As a devoted fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, part of him wanted his home team to clinch the championship. Yet, watching one of the game's greatest players, Shohei Ohtani, walk to the batter's box accompanied by his own voice was an undeniable thrill. He called the moment "special" and admitted the encounter was a "big thrill," highlighting the unique pride that comes when your art becomes part of another's iconic routine on such a grand stage.
The Human Touch Behind the Superstar Persona
This incident peeled back a layer of the global superstar's life, revealing a relatable and human element. Shohei Ohtani married Mamiko Tanaka in February 2024, and since then, she has been a constant, supportive presence in the stands. Her influence now extends to subtle aspects of his on-field persona, with the walk-up music being a prime example. It showcased a superstar deferring to a personal, marital preference, adding a touch of warmth to the high-pressure environment of the World Series.
The sweet exchange between Ohtani, Tanaka, and Bublé quickly captured the imagination of fans and media alike. Clips and stories about the reason for the song choice spread rapidly across social media and news platforms. It became a talking point that transcended pure sports analysis, illustrating how personal stories within athletics can resonate widely. The scene underscored how a quiet family decision can become a focal point of cultural conversation during major sporting events.
Where Sports and Entertainment Collide
Ultimately, the story of Ohtani's walk-up song is a perfect example of the fun intersection between sports and entertainment. Michael Bublé's dramatic and uplifting tune provided a distinct audio backdrop for one of baseball's most watched players during its most crucial games. For fans, it offered a lighter, more personal narrative to follow amidst the intense competition of the postseason. The moment served as a reminder that behind the statistics and the glory, athletes' lives are woven with personal choices and relationships that occasionally, and beautifully, step into the spotlight.
