Shohei Ohtani Discovers His High School Groundskeeper Still Working at 80 – What He Does Next Shocks Everyone!

Hanamaki, Japan — Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani has once again shown the world that his greatness extends far beyond the field. During a recent visit to his hometown in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, Ohtani made an unexpected stop at his former high school — Hanamaki Higashi — only to make a heartwarming discovery that would soon become a moment the entire nation is talking about.

While walking around the baseball field where his legendary journey began, Ohtani recognized a familiar figure: Mr. Saito, the school’s longtime groundskeeper. To Ohtani’s surprise, Mr. Saito, now 80 years old, was still working — meticulously raking the dirt and maintaining the field, just as he did over a decade ago when Ohtani was a student.

Moved by the dedication and humility of the elderly man, Ohtani spent several minutes talking with him, reminiscing about old times and expressing his gratitude for the years of hard work that had shaped the environment he once trained in.

But what Ohtani did next left the school — and the entire town — speechless.

He announced that he would personally fund Mr. Saito’s full retirement, provide him with a lifelong pension, and build a new maintenance facility on campus in Mr. Saito’s name.

“You’ve taken care of this field for so long — now let me take care of you,” Ohtani reportedly told him, holding back tears.

Ohtani’s gesture didn’t stop there. He also donated funds to renovate the school’s baseball facilities, install a new training gym, and establish a scholarship in honor of unsung school staff members like Mr. Saito.

The news quickly went viral across Japan and beyond, with fans praising Ohtani not only for his generosity but for his loyalty and deep respect for those who supported him on his journey.

“Shohei is the definition of humility and honor. This is what makes him a true legend,” one fan wrote on social media.

“He hasn’t forgotten where he came from — and that’s why the world loves him,” said another.

Mr. Saito, overwhelmed with emotion, said in a local interview: “I never expected anything. Just seeing Shohei succeed was enough for me. But now… he’s given me a new life.”