The Invisible Cost of Being a Superstar

The injuries that plague professional sports are well-documented. Star players pushed to their limits eventually break down under strain. But what about the human cost for athletes themselves and the teams that rely on them?

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has confirmed that Shohei Ohtani, the team’s four-time MVP, is struggling physically. His performance is suffering, as is his presence on the field. “You could see the swing wasn’t the swing we’re used to seeing,” Roberts said after Wednesday night’s loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Ohtani’s struggles are symptomatic of a larger problem in professional sports: the pressure to perform. We expect our stars to be superhuman, playing through pain without complaint. When they inevitably break down, we’re shocked. “He’s not close to optimal,” Roberts said, implying Ohtani is still trying to push through despite his limitations.

This pressure is a two-way street. On one hand, it drives athletes like Ohtani to greatness. They want to be the best and are willing to put in the work (and take on the risks) to get there. But on the other hand, this pressure can have devastating consequences when things don’t go according to plan.

Ohtani’s health is not just a personal issue; it’s also about his mental well-being. He’s been eerily quiet for two weeks now, and it’s clear something is eating at him. “I know he feels that he needs to post and be in the lineup,” Roberts said, implying Ohtani is putting on a brave face despite his obvious pain.

The Dodgers’ decision to weigh giving Ohtani a day off is also a business decision. They know their star player’s health directly affects their chances on the field. If they lose him for an extended period, it could cost them dearly in terms of wins and losses.

But what about when the stakes are lower? What about smaller teams or athletes who aren’t as high-profile? The answer is complicated. On one hand, you want to protect your star players from burnout – it’s a recipe for disaster if they don’t get the rest and recovery time they need. But on the other hand, you can’t just give them a day off whenever they feel like it.

The “Ohtani Rule” is a hot topic in baseball right now – what happens when your star player moves from the mound to the outfield? Does he get to stay in the lineup, or does he lose his designated hitter status for the rest of the game? It’s a silly rule based on outdated notions about how players should be used and protected.

We need to rethink how we approach injuries in sports – not just as individual problems but also as systemic issues that affect entire teams and leagues. We must prioritize athlete well-being above all else – even if it means sacrificing wins on the field. And most importantly, we need to remember that our stars are human beings too – with all the complexities and vulnerabilities that come with being alive.

The invisible cost of being a superstar is high, and it’s time for us to start paying attention. We see it in Ohtani’s struggles, and we’ve seen it before in other athletes who have pushed themselves too far. It’s time for us to take this problem seriously – not just as fans but also as a society.