Apparently, MLB fans aren’t the only ones in awe of Shohei Ohtani’s greatness, as even the Angels superstar’s teammates have a tendency to be starstruck from time to time.
Case in point, new Angels pitcher Lucas Giolito, who gave fans a hilarious viral moment in his first start for the club on Friday against the Blue Jays.
Prior to taking the mound, Giolito, whom L.A. acquired on Wednesday, had a front row seat in the dugout to watch Ohtani follow-up a historic doubleheader against the Tigers. The three-time All-Star blasted a 397-foot solo home run on his first pitch of the night, giving him an MLB-leading 39th homer of the season.
As Ohtani returned to the dugout, the Japanese sensation, with all eyes enamored by his continued domination, drew a priceless look of disbelief and glee from Giolito, his new biggest fan.
Shohei Ohtani is unbelievable 🦄 !!!
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 28, 2023
39th homerun in first at bat tonight !!
(via @MLB )pic.twitter.com/JROl5rGrcf
Needless to say, Giolito’s expressive look more than likely perfectly summed up how many people faced with a similar situation may react. And, based on the reactions to the video, the 29-year-old appeared to strike a chord with the masses on social media:
“That guy is really my teammate now?” pic.twitter.com/ElY1ueHoH2
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 28, 2023
You think Lucas Giolito likes getting to be on Shohei Ohtani's side now? pic.twitter.com/mqIMTUfe8u
— Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) July 28, 2023
Lucas is all of us. https://t.co/CU3oqyl1OK
— Jessica Kleinschmidt (@KleinschmidtJD) July 28, 2023
Yeah Giolito, you are now on the same team as SHOHEI OHTANI. pic.twitter.com/XUCfDGBQe6
— Olivia Garvey (@LivGarvey6) July 28, 2023
Giolito’s expression perfectly encapsulates the Shohei Ohtani Experience.
— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) July 28, 2023
Joy. Disbelief. Happiness. Appreciation.
What a gift.
pic.twitter.com/WW0YJBs554
Giolito is like us 💗 with Shohei
— 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ ⚾️Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ (@shoheisaveus) July 28, 2023
pic.twitter.com/M5AhEa3Un4
First AB is a HR after majestic CG shutout/2 HR doubleheader. The smile on Giolito here is everything. https://t.co/8BlmWtPCuB
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) July 28, 2023
Find someone who looks at you the way Lucas Giolito looks at Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/hFMD02UuOg
— Thomas Carrieri (@Thomas_Carrieri) July 29, 2023