As MLB Network dedicated an entire day of programming to Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts offered one of the most revealing and personal portraits yet of the two-way superstar.

Speaking during a manager interview segment, Roberts didn’t just praise Ohtani’s historic talent — he detailed the discipline, humility, competitiveness, and leadership traits that have defined Ohtani since joining the Dodgers.

Roberts, who managed against Ohtani for years before welcoming him to Los Angeles, said his perspective has evolved significantly now that he sees Ohtani’s process up close every day.

“With time, you really get to know the person,” Roberts explained. Beyond the well-documented humility fans have seen publicly, Roberts pointed to Ohtani’s generosity, sense of humor, and relentless desire to win as defining characteristics.

According to Roberts, Ohtani’s competitiveness isn’t rooted in individual accolades, but in a singular focus on team success.

That mentality was evident even during Ohtani’s rehab process following elbow surgery. Roberts described Ohtani’s daily preparation and discipline as “impressive,” noting how methodical and committed he was — even when the plan moved slower than Ohtani might have preferred.

Still, Ohtani bought into the long-term vision, understanding that patience now would preserve both performance and legacy later.

Roberts also addressed the idea that Ohtani operates on his own terms, a narrative that has followed the superstar throughout his career. While acknowledging that all elite players want to feel heard, Roberts pushed back strongly on the notion that Ohtani is difficult to manage.

“He’s been my easiest player to manage,” Roberts said, emphasizing that Ohtani has never made demands of the organization. Instead, decisions about workload, rehab, and usage are made collaboratively — involving team leadership, medical staff, coaches, and Ohtani himself — all guided by a shared goal of sustainable excellence.

That balance between maximizing performance and preserving longevity is central to how the Dodgers approach Ohtani. Roberts explained that pushing Ohtani too hard early in the season simply isn’t worth the risk, especially when the organization views him as a cornerstone for the next decade.

Still, Roberts didn’t shy away from making a bold claim: in his eyes, Ohtani is the greatest player to ever wear a baseball uniform.

An old-school baseball man by his own admission, Roberts said he doesn’t need additional seasons to validate what he’s already witnessed. From triple-digit fastballs located with precision to tape-measure home runs delivered by a disciplined, elite hitter, Ohtani consistently defies conventional baseball logic.

Roberts recalled multiple moments that left a lasting impression — dominant pitching performances, historic home runs, postseason heroics, and even Ohtani’s ability to rise when criticism grew loudest.

One example came during a postseason stretch when Ohtani seemed fueled by outside noise questioning his playoff production, responding with unforgettable performances that silenced any doubt.

Yet what may resonate most with Roberts isn’t the raw dominance, but the leadership Ohtani shows away from the spotlight. Whether it’s quietly serving teammates in the dugout, sprinting across the field to support Yoshinobu Yamamoto after a big win, or consistently putting the team first, Ohtani embodies what Roberts described as “servant leadership.”

Roberts also revealed that while Ohtani commands universal respect, one teammate in particular stands out as a role model: Freddie Freeman. Roberts pointed to Freeman’s durability, daily presence, and professionalism as traits Ohtani clearly admires and strives to match.

For Roberts, managing a player with Ohtani’s talent and humility has made his job simpler, not harder. When the best player in the world leads with respect, preparation, and selflessness, the culture follows — and for the Dodgers, that culture continues to revolve around a once-in-a-generation star who somehow keeps redefining greatness.

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