Shohei Ohtani turned 31 on Saturday, July 5, and the Dodgers’ superstar received well wishes from all around the world. The MLB also made a special post for the 2024 MVP. However, their small gesture irked many fans who accused the league of favoritism.
Ahead of the Dodgers’ Game 2 against the Houston Astros, the MLB social media handle posted a baby photo of Ohtani holding a bat with the caption, “Happy 31st birthday to Shohei Ohtani. He’s been sluggin’ since he was a baby.”
Happy 31st birthday to Shohei Ohtani!
— MLB (@MLB) July 5, 2025
He's been sluggin' since he was a baby 💪 pic.twitter.com/xJYmy6lYCV
While many fans wished the “GOAT” a very happy birthday, not everyone was feeling the love, especially fans of Austin Hays, who also celebrated his birthday on the same day.
A few fans blasted MLB for giving Shohei Ohtani the star treatment while not even mentioning Hays.
“It’s Austin Hays’ birthday too, you biased mfs,” one user posted on X.
It’s Austin Hays birthday too you biased mfs
— Thrill Keightley (@Cincitucky1) July 5, 2025
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“It’s also Austin Hays birthday but you don’t care you gotta pin the poster boy,” another user commented.
It’s also Austin Hays birthday but you don’t care you gotta pin the poster boy
— Julio (@RasheeTouchdown) July 5, 2025
“Apparently only Dodgers have birthdays…” one user commented.
Apparently only @Dodgers have birthdays…🙄
— The Markcast® (@the_markcast) July 6, 2025
“Here comes the all day glaze sesh from the MLB admin,” another annoyed fan wrote.
Here comes the all day glaze sesh from the MLB admin
— Seth (@SB23___) July 5, 2025
“Where is Jorge Polanco’s birthday wish?” another user asked.
Where is Jorge Polanco’s birthday wish?@Mariners
— The Markcast® (@the_markcast) July 6, 2025
“My fuckin god it never stops does it? How many times has Shohei Ohtani farted today? You got that info?” one fan wrote.
My fuckin god it never stops does it? How many times has Ohtani farted today? You got that info?
— QuackedOnPadres (@QuackedOnPadres) July 5, 2025
“Have you posted for any other player’s birthdays or just your golden child?” another fan replied.
have you posted for any other player’s birthdays or just your golden child?
— 𝐀𝐒𝐇🦈 (@ashelai_) July 5, 2025
“So now we posting happy birthday to all players daily? Got it……” one user commented.
So now we posting happy birthday to all players daily? Got it……
— BaseballSplinter (@MLBSplinter) July 5, 2025
Astros Spoil Shohei Ohtani’s Birthday With Series Win
While fans fought on social media, Ohtani celebrated his big day on the mound. He struck out three straight batters in the second inning, but the Dodgers couldn’t hold the lead. Ohtani went 1-for-4 at the plate and reached base with a walk, but the offense didn’t do enough to support him.
Mookie Betts hit his 11th homer, and Miguel Rojas smashed a two-run shot in the fourth to pull the Dodgers close, but the offense failed to get over the line.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will conclude the series against the Astros on Sunday before moving to Milwaukee for a three-game series. Shohei Ohtani will continue to play a crucial role for the team. Due to his excellent performance, Ohtani has often been a target for opponents.
