Shohei Ohtani has taken over as an immediate fan favorite in his initial time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, showing his fun-loving nature, hidden behind his intense feel for baseball.
Ohtani’s stardom has allowed him to gain a large following, as well as impact the game across the globe.
Prior to Thursday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds for Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night, he met with Albert, a pediatric patient of UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital.
Ohtani surprised Albert with an autographed jersey, a bobblehead of himself, suite tickets to the game, and the opportunity to throw out the first pitch.
“Ideally we wanted to win today’s game,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, Will Ireton. “I hope the person who threw the ceremonial first pitch enjoyed the game.”
A moment Albert and Shohei will never forget. 🥹
In honor of his bobblehead night, Shohei surprised Albert, a pediatric patient of @UCLAMCH, with a first pitch and suite tickets to tonight's game. pic.twitter.com/2kKNiYT6nK
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 17, 2024
Meeting your favorite player. 😭 pic.twitter.com/Hll4cRJwdU
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 17, 2024
Ohtani is known for his charity work off the field, making donations of youth baseball gloves to every elementary school in Japan. He’s also teamed up with the Dodgers in donating disaster relief funds following the devastating earthquakes in Japan.
Ohtani also donates to Japan-based heart charities, making the connection to Albert all the more noteworthy as he’s undergone multiple cardiac procedures in his life.
As a member of the Los Angeles Angels, after participating in the annual home run derby at the All-Star Game, Ohtani donated his participatory earnings to 30 support staffers.
Ohtani’s appreciation for young fans, and those around him is a part of why he is highly regarded as a teammate, player, and person.
“If I was a child, I would be very happy as well and that’s something that I want to kind of return,” Ohtani said.
Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night draws large crowd
Despite the losing effort to the Reds, the Dodgers announced a sell out crowd of 53,527.
It was the largest crowd at Dodger Stadium since Sept. 20, 2019 and the highest attendance of any Major League game this season.
Of the bobblehead’s given out to those who attended, some received a rare edition with Ohtani in a road uniform.
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