Young fan watches workout in the downpour, gets rewarded by Ohtani himself

WASHINGTON -- Sunday's Dodgers–Nationals game, scheduled for a 1:10 p.m. first pitch, was delayed early after rain began falling around 11 a.m.

In a downpour so heavy that most would hesitate to even step outside, Shohei Ohtani emerged onto the field alongside a bullpen catcher. Even Nationals security staff couldn’t hide their surprise, reacting with wide eyes as if to say, “In this rain?”

Indeed, Shohei is dedicated in every possible way.

Ohtani went through his routine -- playing catch, throwing long toss, and then about 15 minutes of flat-ground work. The rain showed no sign of letting up.

Normally, fans with guest passes are allowed on the field during pregame warmups to watch players up close. On a day like this, however, it seemed certain no one would be there. But in one corner behind home plate stood the Cochrane family from Virginia Beach, completely soaked, watching intently.

Leading the way was eight-year-old Kane, a shortstop for his local team, the Tidewater Drillers, and a devoted Dodgers fan. The family had come to the game to make his wish come true.

His father, Joe, and Kane wore hooded sweatshirts pulled tight over their heads, while his mother, Lindsey, stood exposed to the rain, clearly uncomfortable but unwilling to leave. In weather that would make anyone want to turn back -- older brother Avery and sister Presley had taken shelter under a covered area after getting soaked through (a sensible call). Despite the miserable weather, the parents stayed for one reason: to fulfill their son’s wish to see the players up close and hopefully get an autograph.

Once finished with his workout, Ohtani jogged over to the family instead of heading straight back into the dugout. Kane, who had been watching Ohtani's workout the entire time, posed for a photo and Ohtani handed him the ball he'd been using.

Kane, whose dreams is to become a Major League player, beamed with a huge smile. Beside him, his mother wiped away tears, while his father calmly took photos. Soaked to the skin, they didn’t mind the rain -- at that moment, it had become a memory the family would never forget.

As it turned out, the guest passes that allowed the family onto the field had been obtained by Lindsey through a personal connection. Kane, grateful to his mother, had promised to help more around the house in return -- a small vow that made the day even more meaningful.