Shohei Ohtani’s arrival at Dodger Stadium stirred unparalleled excitement on Saturday as enthusiasts first saw the two-way marvel in Dodgers’ colours. Previously with the Angels, Ohtani’s shift feels as monumental as a journey from Japan to Los Angeles for Dodgers supporters.
The transition was met with fervent cheers. At DodgerFest, fans, young and old, sported Ohtani’s new jersey and paid an entrance fee for the first time.
The festivities included food stands, music, shopping, and fans gathering on the field for a season preview by manager Dave Roberts and approximately 30 players.
Ohtani, likened to Babe Ruth, shared his ambition to clinch the World Series, speaking through his interpreter. Despite not pitching this season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, he remains optimistic about his rehab progress.
In Arizona Spring training, Ohtani will start hitting practice with a pitching machine.
Freddie Freeman highlighted Ohtani’s legendary status, equating him to Babe Ruth. The Dodgers’ offseason saw significant acquisitions, including Ohtani’s $700 million, 10-year deal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s contract, and Teoscar Hernández’s signing.
Roberts expressed amazement at the team’s investments, emphasizing such occurrences are rare and fortunate for the Dodgers. He anticipates discussions with Mookie Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani to finalize the starting lineup, acknowledging it may evolve throughout the season.
The trio received overwhelming applause at the event, with Freeman acknowledging the team’s commitment to winning as a key motivation.
As spring training approaches, many teammates are meeting Ohtani for the first time. Reliever Blake Treinen praised Ohtani’s positive energy and even welcomed him in Japanese.
Team president Andrew Friedman had assured Betts and Freeman, after last season’s disappointment, that he would pursue Ohtani and Yamamoto, fulfilling the promise to bolster the team’s competitive edge.
Betts appreciated the team’s efforts to maintain a winning environment, underscoring the players’ performance responsibility.
