March 19, 2025 – In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Major League Baseball, former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross has come forward with what he claims is damning evidence that Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani cheated during a pivotal moment of his historic 2024 season. Ross, speaking on a special episode of ESPN’s Baseball Tonight on Tuesday night, alleged that Ohtani’s record-breaking 50th home run—part of his unprecedented 50-50 season—was tainted by an illegal advantage, leaving fans and analysts reeling.

The Accusation Unveiled

Ross, who managed the Cubs against Ohtani’s Dodgers in the Tokyo Series opener this week, pointed to the seventh-inning blast Ohtani hit on September 19, 2024, against the Miami Marlins. That home run, a towering shot to left field at LoanDepot Park, cemented Ohtani as the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. But according to Ross, the feat wasn’t as clean as it seemed.

“I’ve kept quiet long enough, but MLB fans deserve the truth,” Ross said, his voice steady but intense. “We’ve got evidence—video, data, you name it—that shows Ohtani was using an illegally modified bat on that 50th home run. It’s not just a milestone; it’s a sham.”

Ross alleged that the bat Ohtani used was corked—a practice banned by MLB since the early 20th century, where a bat’s interior is hollowed out and filled with lighter materials like cork to increase swing speed and distance. He claimed that slow-motion footage from the Marlins game reveals an unnatural “give” in the bat upon contact, along with an unusual sound profile inconsistent with standard maple or ash bats.

The Evidence Under Scrutiny

Ross didn’t stop at vague accusations. He presented what he called “frame-by-frame analysis” of the home run, conducted by an independent forensic team he hired after growing suspicious during the 2024 postseason. “The ball came off that bat at 114.3 mph and went 451 feet,” he noted. “That’s not just Ohtani’s power—that’s physics bending in a way it shouldn’t. We compared it to his other homers, and the metrics don’t add up.”

He also pointed to Statcast data showing Ohtani’s contact point on that swing was 3.7 inches behind home plate—deeper than his season average—yet still produced elite exit velocity. “You don’t get that kind of pop that deep in the zone without something extra in the bat,” Ross insisted. “It’s not talent; it’s tampering.”

Ross further claimed that whispers about Ohtani’s equipment had circulated among MLB managers late in 2024, but no one dared challenge the league’s golden boy. “He’s untouchable—Shohei’s the face of baseball,” Ross said. “But I’m not afraid to call it like I see it.”

A Firestorm of Reaction

The allegations have ignited a firestorm across the baseball world. Dodgers fans flooded X with disbelief and outrage, with one user posting, “David Ross is just salty the Cubs got swept in Tokyo. This is a hit job on Ohtani!” Others, however, expressed unease. “If there’s proof, MLB has to investigate,” another fan wrote. “50-50 is too big to let slide if it’s dirty.”

Ohtani, who went 1-for-4 with a home run in Wednesday’s 6-3 win over the Cubs in Tokyo, has not directly addressed the claims. Through his interpreter, he offered a brief statement post-game: “I play the game the right way. That’s all I’ll say.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts dismissed the accusation as “absurd,” telling reporters, “Shohei’s a once-in-a-generation talent. He doesn’t need to cheat, and he didn’t. Ross is grasping at straws.”

MLB issued a statement acknowledging Ross’s claims and promising a review. “We take all allegations of rule violations seriously and will examine the evidence presented,” the league said. “No further comment will be made until our investigation is complete.”

Ross’s Motive and Credibility

Ross, who retired as Cubs manager after the 2023 season and now works as an ESPN analyst, has a reputation as a straight shooter from his playing days as a catcher and his 2016 World Series win with Chicago. But some question his motives. “This feels personal,” said Sports Illustrated columnist Tom Verducci. “Ross’s Cubs faced Ohtani twice this week in Tokyo, and he got outshined. Is this evidence or sour grapes?”

The timing adds fuel to the speculation. Ohtani’s homer in Wednesday’s game—his first of the 2025 season—drew a standing ovation from the Tokyo Dome crowd, overshadowing Ross’s Cubs squad, now managed by Craig Counsell. Critics suggest Ross is leveraging his platform to cast doubt on a rival who’s soared past his own legacy.

What’s at Stake

If Ross’s evidence holds water, the fallout could be seismic. Ohtani’s 50-50 season earned him a unanimous National League MVP award and cemented his status as baseball’s biggest star. A confirmed cheating scandal could strip him of that honor, tarnish his three-MVP resume, and spark a debate over his Hall of Fame candidacy. For the Dodgers, fresh off a 2024 World Series title, it would be a public relations nightmare.

For now, the baseball world waits. MLB’s investigation could take weeks, and Ross has promised to release his full dossier to the public soon. Whether this is a legitimate exposé or a baseless smear, one thing is certain: David Ross has thrown a fastball into the heart of Shohei Ohtani’s legacy—and the shockwaves are just beginning.