The Los Angeles Dodgers’ trip to Japan marked a homecoming for Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, who all began their professional careers in the country.
Upon landing in Tokyo, the trio organized a players-only dinner for their Dodgers teammates to ensure they were plenty comfortable.
“The food was amazing. I think it was probably the best meal I’ve had since we got to Japan,” Kiké Hernández said. “As far as them speaking, they didn’t say much. Will (Ireton) felt like the narrator of a movie. He kept explaining every dish and everything that was going on.
“It allowed us to bond as a team at an early stage in the season that if we weren’t here with Sho, Roki and Yoshi, we probably wouldn’t have that opportunity to share those couple hours as teammates and start building that camaderie.
“Definitely a great experience and something that’s going to pay off in the long run for us.”
Shohei Ohtani shared a look at the players-only dinner he, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki hosted. pic.twitter.com/fb1EqKWLqJ
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Miguel Rojas also appreciated Ohtani, Yamamoto and Sasaki making the effort to give the Dodgers an incredible experience in Japan.
“It was amazing,” Rojas said of the dinner. We really appreciate the effort that all three of the guys, plus the members of the staff that was there. Will (Ireton) was part of that. We all appreciated the opportunity to taste not just the food but the culture of Japan.
“It was an amazing experience. We had a great time. They don’t have to say much. They did it with their intentions, which is the most important part.”
The three Japanese Dodgers arranging such an event in some sense repays teammates for the hospitality and gratitude they showed in welcoming the new players.
Rojas was particularly active in establishing a positive environment for Ohtani and Yamamoto last year, and did so again this season by allowing Sasaki to take his No. 11 jersey.
Shohei Ohtani felt ‘nervous’ playing in Tokyo Series opener
Ohtani had a memorable showing in the Tokyo Series but admitted to feeling a little uneasy at times. “It’s been a while that I felt nervous playing a game,” Ohtani said after the opener through interpreter Will Ireton.
“In that sense I felt like the first couple of at-bats I needed time to adjust. I’m glad I was able to make the adjustments in the later part of the game.”
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