Shohei Ohtani’s every step, swing and smile were intensely followed this week during his homecoming at the Tokyo Dome, an event that would make most mortals wilt under the pressure.

Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a solo home run in the top of the fifth inning during the MLB Tokyo Series game between Los Angeles Dodg

Major League Baseball has had no shortage of stars, but it has never seen a sensation like Ohtani, who is Japan’s answer to Babe Ruth.