The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani artwork

True Crime · ESPN

The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani

by ESPN

They were a team. Shohei and Ippei. They called themselves brothers. One was a young superstar destined for the Hall of Fame. The other was the hero’s valet – his translator, fixer, assistant, protector, and confidant. As Shohei Ohtani’s star rose to the heavens, Ippei Mizuhara kept him grounded. But in the spring of 2024, just weeks after celebrating Ohtani’s new 10-year, $700-million contract, their friendship was over. Someone had betrayed their best friend. From 30 for 30 Podcasts, the real story behind the scandal that almost ruined it all. Episodes drop Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Chart trend

Position in the True Crime chart (US), last 90 days.

#13
all-time peak
24
days in the top 50 since Jul 2026

Latest episodes

Showing 7 · updated from the feed

Footnote

One man begins a prison sentence and the other goes on a World Series run, but putting to rest questions about what really happened between these two men isn’t so simple.

Aug 11
37 min

The Feds

Encrypted text messages, a trunk full of baseball cards, and a private bank account - federal law enforcement takes us inside their investigation of Shohei and Ippei. N

Aug 6
33 min

The Bookie

Matt Bowyer was running one of the largest illegal sports betting operations in the country when he thought he scored the client of a lifetime. Next episode coming Thur

Aug 4
39 min

Baseball Boy

Shohei’s life has been well-documented since he was a young baseball phenom in Japan, but digging into Ippei’s past reveals a more complicated picture than anyone knew.

Jul 30
45 min

The Interview

A surprising interview takes a strange turn and deepens the mystery around Shohei Ohtani and his long-time interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. Episodes drop every Tuesday and

Jul 28
48 min

The Letter O

ESPN Investigative Reporter Tisha Thompson receives a tip that, if true, could damage Shohei Ohtani’s picture-perfect reputation. Episodes drop every Tuesday and Thursda

Jul 28
31 min

Introducing: The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani

On paper, Ippei Mizuhara was Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter. But he was so much more than that. They were a team, closer than brothers. Until it all went horribly wrong.  F

Jul 20
2 min

Chart positions

Where The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 8, 2026).

#117 ▲ 17 True Crime US

What listeners say

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I binge listened in two days! Love the reporting and all the different perspectives you’ve pulled in. Can’t wait for the next episode!

don't review · Aug 2026

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About The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani on Reason.fm

Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.

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