Shohei Ohtani shows a different side of himself on the MLB stage in October

LOS ANGELES — One of the best things about sports is that it combines excitement with the rigors of competition. The MLB postseason tends to condense the entire experience into its most intense form.

For the first time in his career, Shohei Ohtani can feel the atmosphere of the playoffs and the important moments associated with it. After his no-doubt home run in Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani put that emotion on full display. He threw the bat in excitement and stared in awe before letting out a scream as he broke into a trot. The Los Angeles Dodgers star let the world know he had made the playoffs.

This was most recently seen during Wednesday's 8-0 series victory, where Ohtani, in a widely shared social media video, appeared to be offended by the referee's interference with fair ball.

“I completely forgot about it,” Ohtani told reporters Thursday through a translator. The answer caused laughter.

The postseason, which ended Friday night with Los Angeles' Game 5 at Dodger Stadium, isn't the first time this year that Ohtani has expressed emotion in big moments. In fact, Ohtani has always been demonstrative throughout the season. His first year with the Dodgers provided him with a few more highlights than years before and in front of a much larger crowd.

“Playing in the regular season and playing in the playoffs is a completely different thing,” Ohtani said through a translator. “And I think a lot of players end up playing (and) showing their emotions. So I feel a part of it.”

Ohtani hasn't always generated excitement on or around the diamond. During his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, even as he became the best player in the world, he always remained restrained in his reactions and kept his emotions in check.

The beginning of Ohtani's transition came during last year's World Baseball Classic. In a postseason environment, with Japan closer to facing Team USA, Ohtani was able to show a side of himself that few got to see. When he hit his then-teammate Mike Trout, you could see the joy and passion in the player who threw down the gauntlet before embracing his compatriots. And at that moment he showed that he was not a baseball cyborg.

The two-time MVP showed off his first season in Dodger Blue, hitting .310/.390/.646 with a league-leading 54 homers, a career-high 197 hits and becoming a first-team member of the 50-50 club. Throughout the historic season, there were bat flips, celebrations and even the occasional “Let's (expletive) let's go” (yes, in English) where he pushed the pace for his teammates.

This is not the same Ohtani. This is a new, comfortable and reliable version.

“I'm not surprised by it,” Ohtani said. “I think it's also part of who I am. Of course, you should respect your opponent and remember him. I think it's an important part of the game.”

For the first time in his career, he plays in a winning football club. After six seasons in which there was no chance of making the playoffs, his greatness represents not only individual success, but also team success as Los Angeles tries to win the World Series. One more win will give the Dodgers a spot in the NLCS, where the Mets await.

“I think he realizes he's the best player in the world,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think he has changed over the course of this season, I think who he really is. … I think winning helps.

“He is very isolated, very quiet and remains introverted. But I think he's a naturally goofy person. He likes fun. He's a crazy good competitor.”

Whether it was going 6-for-6 with three homers and 10 RBI in the same game in which he went 50/50, a grand slam en route to the 40/40 club, or a homer in his postseason debut, Ohtani showed in many situations in which he lives in the moment. He's one of the few players who seems to be able to rise to the occasion every time.

“I'm really focused on winning the game and doing everything I can to help the team win the game,” Ohtani said of his ability to have big moments. “It's something I really focus on instead of overcomplicating things and thinking outside of it.”

Watching the best player in the world excel in the biggest moments is great for the sport itself. For Ohtani, showing who he is and letting fans feed off his energy is helping the sport's biggest superstar continue to rise as one of the most popular athletes in the world.

“When he sees people having fun, having a good time for a moment, I think we've seen more of that throughout the season. I think it's good for him because it's honest,” Roberts said.

“This guy is not just a robot. He's a real person who has emotions. So I think it's good for everyone.”