At Wednesday night’s ESPY Awards in New York City, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani took home a pair of awards. Ohtani won Best MLB Player and Best Single-Game Performance, neither of which should come as a surprise to even casual baseball fans. After all, striking out 10 batters in six scoreless innings on the mound while blasting three home runs at the plate in the deciding game of a National League Championship Series is a feat that may never be replicated.
However, when announcing that Ohtani had won the Best Single-Game Performance ESPY, legendary boxer Mike Tyson delivered a moment that quickly went viral. Tyson, along with boxer and internet personality Jake Paul and record producer DJ Khaled, jointly presented the award. Ohtani was absent, as he was recuperating from nagging injuries and preparing for a crucial series against the New York Yankees that began Friday.
Tyson proudly pronounced Ohtani’s name correctly, leading into the announcement with a confident “check this out” and soaking in applause. But after Paul noted that Ohtani could not be present and was grateful to ESPN and fans, Tyson seemed confused. He turned to Paul and asked, “Shohei’s a guy?” in a moment captured clearly on live television. The crowd’s applause and music grew louder, but Paul confirmed, “he’s a guy, yeah.”
The Moment That Stole the Show
The question caught many viewers off guard, given that Ohtani is arguably the most dominant two-way player in baseball history. In 2025, during Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, Ohtani delivered a performance for the ages. He threw six scoreless innings, striking out 10 batters, and hit three home runs—a combination that had never been achieved in postseason history. That single game earned him the ESPY for Best Single-Game Performance, beating out other remarkable feats like Bam Adebayo’s 83-point NBA game.
Tyson’s reaction highlights a surprising lack of familiarity with the face of Major League Baseball. Ohtani is not only a two-time MVP but also the face of the sport globally, with massive endorsement deals and a cultural footprint that includes murals across Los Angeles. His memorabilia fetches astronomical prices, and his influence on the game is unprecedented.
Ohtani’s Stellar 2025 Season and Beyond
Beyond his NLCS heroics, Ohtani’s 2025 season was remarkable. He posted a 3.01 ERA as a pitcher with 225 strikeouts while batting .302 with 48 home runs and 112 RBIs. He became the first player in MLB history to qualify for both the batting title and the ERA title in the same season. His performance helped the Dodgers win their second consecutive World Series title in 2024, and he was named World Series MVP.
Despite dealing with knee issues throughout 2026—including a lubricant injection procedure to relieve irritation—Ohtani continued to produce. He missed the 2026 All-Star Game due to the knee problem but returned to the lineup shortly after. As of mid-July, he was on track to pitch again next week, against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The ESPY Awards Night
The 2026 ESPYs, hosted at the Dolby Theatre in New York, celebrated a wide range of athletic achievements. The Los Angeles and Las Vegas sports scenes dominated, reflecting the strength of those markets. Ohtani’s awards were among the highlights, alongside the New York Knicks winning Best Team and other individual honors. The event also featured performances by DJ Khaled and appearances by other sports icons.
Mike Tyson’s presence added a layer of nostalgia and unpredictability. The former heavyweight champion, known for his fierce persona, showed a lighter side. Yet his question about Ohtani raised eyebrows. Some speculated it was a staged bit, but the genuine confusion in his voice suggested otherwise.
Jake Paul, who had a controversial boxing career, seemed to handle the situation smoothly, quickly confirming Ohtani’s gender. The moment quickly spread on social media, with Jomboy Media sharing the clip and fans reacting with amusement and disbelief.
Ohtani’s Impact on and off the Field
Shohei Ohtani’s influence extends far beyond baseball. He is a marketing powerhouse, with partnerships with brands like New Balance, Asics, and numerous Japanese companies. His jersey sales and collectibles often break records, and he has been featured on magazine covers worldwide. In Los Angeles, murals of Ohtani decorate buildings, and his presence has revitalized the Dodgers’ brand.
His two-way ability—pitching and hitting at an elite level—harkens back to Babe Ruth, but Ohtani has surpassed that legend in many metrics. He is the only player ever to record 10+ strikeouts, 10+ home runs, and 10+ stolen bases in a single season. His 2024 season saw him hit his 300th career home run, a milestone he reached faster than any player from Japan.
Ohtani’s work ethic and humility have endeared him to fans and teammates alike. Despite his superstar status, he remains approachable and dedicated to improvement. His rehab from Tommy John surgery earlier in his career showed resilience, and his training regimen is legendary.
The Dodgers organization has carefully managed his workload, especially with knee concerns this season. He has been used primarily as a designated hitter in recent starts, but he is expected to return to the pitching mound soon. The team’s series against the Yankees is being closely watched, as it could set the tone for the second half of the season.
Historical Context and Comparisons
Mike Tyson, despite his legendary boxing career, may not follow baseball closely. He has spent much of his later life in entertainment, podcasts, and occasional social media stunts. It’s not uncommon for icons from different sports to be unfamiliar with each other’s worlds. However, Ohtani’s status as a global phenomenon makes Tyson’s question particularly notable.
Other legendary athletes have similar blind spots, but few have been caught on camera in such a candid moment. The incident adds to the ESPYs’ legacy of spontaneous, sometimes awkward, moments. It also sparked conversations about how sports intersect across disciplines.
Hopefully, this incident will encourage Tyson to learn more about the greatest baseball player of his era. Ohtani continues to break barriers and set records, and his story is one of perseverance and excellence. As the Dodgers push for another championship, Ohtani remains the centerpiece of a dynasty in the making.
In the end, the ESPYs provided a memorable evening for Ohtani, who added more hardware to his collection. His absence was felt, but his achievements stood on their own. As for Mike Tyson, he may need to catch up on current baseball stars, but his honest question inadvertently highlighted just how transcendent Ohtani’s talent truly is—a player so extraordinary that even a boxing legend had to ask if he was real.
Source: Yahoo Sports News