Shohei Ohtani’s influence continues to grow far beyond the baseball diamond. As one of the biggest names in MLB, the Dodgers superstar has not only dominated the sport but has also made his mark in pop culture. While topping the 2025 MLB player rankings, Ohtani is currently making headlines for something quite different—his rising presence in the music world.
The Shohei Ohtani Effect has crossed over into Latin trap. pic.twitter.com/rnpbcObRhE
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) April 5, 2025
Recently, Grammy-winning rapper Eladio Carrión honored Ohtani by naming the second track of his latest album “Ohtani-DON KBRN.” This tribute highlights the Japanese athlete’s far-reaching impact, showing that his fame transcends sports. Ohtani, known for his rare talent as both a pitcher and hitter, is now being recognized in the music industry—further proof of his global influence.
The song is a solo Latin trap track, and Ohtani’s name is heard multiple times in the second verse. The track merges the energy of sports with the rhythm of music, offering a glimpse into Eladio Carrión’s admiration for Ohtani’s unique abilities and contributions to the game. This musical tribute is another milestone in Ohtani’s career, cementing his position as a cultural icon.
But this isn’t the first time Ohtani has been honored through music. In 2024, a rock band called The Baseball Project—featuring members like Mike Mills, Scott McCaughey, Steve Wynn, Linda Pitmon, and Peter Buck—released a baseball-themed album with fifteen tracks. Among them was a song titled “Oh Oh Ohtani,” specifically dedicated to the Dodgers’ star. The track celebrated Ohtani’s stellar 2024 season, where he batted .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, a .390 on-base percentage, and a 1.036 OPS.
One of the band members, Scott McCaughey, emphasized Ohtani’s importance to his team and called him the undisputed MVP, stating that without him, the Dodgers would have struggled. The song “Oh Oh Ohtani” stands as a heartfelt tribute, showcasing the deep respect the band has for his accomplishments.
As Ohtani continues to appear in songs and gain recognition in various industries, his legacy as more than just a baseball player becomes clearer. He is redefining what it means to be a sports star—blending athletic excellence with cultural influence and global admiration.