Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
It’s almost beyond debate as to whether Shohei Ohtani is the best athlete on the planet. He’s unquestionably the best baseball player we have ever seen, and shockingly he continues to get better. The four-time MVP was also named the Associated Press athlete of the year for the fourth time. He also has shown to be a good human.
Conspiracy theories are believable when considering the extent that Ohtani may have known about his former interpreters gambling addiction. What is not controversial is Ohtani’s willingness to help out teammates. Minnesota native Gus Varland, and brother of former Minnesota Twins reliever Louie Varland, experienced that firsthand.
Varland’s have special connection with Shohei Ohtani
Louie Varland was once a 15th round pick by the Minnesota Twins. Gus Varland was a 14th round pick in 2018, the year prior. He pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023 and 2024. Upon hearing of a cancer diagnosis for his teammates mom, Ohtani stepped up.
Shohei Ohtani made a “big contribution” to former Dodgers teammate Gus Varland, whose mom was battling cancer a couple years ago
Dave Roberts saw her at the World Series supporting her other son, Blue Jays pitcher Louis Varland. She told him her cancer is gone
(via @ANNnewsCH) pic.twitter.com/qwBhUpuDh0
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) December 8, 2025
“We had, a couple of years ago, his [Varland] mom had cancer. Shohei made a very, very big contribution to help get his mom, one of his teammates, treatment. That was a big moment. I thought everyone really appreciated that. Ironically that player we had, his brother pitched for the Blue Jays in the World Series. I saw the mom during the World Series and I said how are you doing? She said the cancer is gone. Shohei does a lot of great things, but a lot of what he does is on the down low.”
Shohei Ohtani signed a ten-year deal worth $700 million prior to the 2024 season. $68 million of the annual salary is paid out yearly starting in 2034. He is able to absorb so much of the funds being kicked down the road because of his lucrative branding deals. Flush with cash, he’s clearly willing to help others.
Kim Varland, Louie and Gus’ mother, has been discussed in articles with both players making it to the big leagues. From St. Paul, the Varland’s parlayed a college career under Concordia St. Paul coach Mark “Lunch” McKenzie into professional careers against all odds.
Gus pitched in just 15 games for the Dodgers over his two seasons with Los Angeles. Shohei Ohtani didn’t join the organization until 2024, so his history with Varland was certainly limited. That didn’t stop the 31-year-old Japanese superstar from stepping in to help out.
This sort of story is the type of thing that often flies under the radar and never gets heard about. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlighting the philanthropic nature of Ohtani only continues to paint him in a positive light.
Kim Varland beating cancer is absolutely wonderful news as well. The Dodgers bested the Blue Jays in seven games. It was arguably the best series in recent memory, and very-clearly provided a heartwarming moment for Roberts and the Varland’s.
Mentioned in this article: Gus Varland Louie Varland Shohei Ohtani
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