Last week, Dave Roberts admitted, “I think that this rivalry part is certainly real.” The narrative of the fiery Dodgers-Padres rivalry was charged back in June when multiple hitters were hit, benches were cleared and managers were ejected. Shohei Ohtani , meanwhile, who was one of the standouts of that series, has never lost his cool. Not even when he was hit twice intentionally during the June series. Not even when Mike Shildt shouted towards the Dodgers’ dugout after one of the hit-by-pitches. It’s always been Ohtani’s “polite” ways that can be marked as a breath of fresh air.

In the Japanese culture, bowing or greeting is viewed as the ultimate form of humility or respect. The major league umpires say that what truly sets Ohtani apart, besides his exceptional play, is how he a

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