The Los Angeles Dodgers soared to incredible heights this past season and reached MLB’s pinnacle in Shohei Ohtani’s first year with the franchise.
Ohtani’s play was exceptional as he became the first member of the 50/50 club in MLB history, eventually finishing with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. The Dodgers greatly benefitted from his production, and Ohtani’s presence was felt not only throughout the lineup but in a variety of other forms as well.
In previous years, Ohtani hadn’t shown as much outward emotion, and perhaps it’s as simple as being in a more competitive environment.
“Playing a regular season game and playing a playoff game is different,” Ohtani recently said through interpreter Will Ireton. “I think a lot of players end up showing their emotions. So I feel like I’m part of that.”
To his own admission, Ohtani makes sure he maintains a level of respect for opponents when expressing himself on the field.
“First and foremost, I’m really focused on winning the game and whatever I can do to help the team win the game,” Ohtani said. “That’s something that I really focus on instead of overcomplicating things and thinking besides that.
“I’m not surprised by it. I do think it’s part of who I am as well, obviously still being respectful and mindful of the opponent. I think it’s an important part of the game.”
The Dodgers were carried by Ohtani’s stellar play at different stretches of the regular season, and manager Dave Roberts had a front row as it unfolded. A different culture brings a lot out of a player, and for a talent like Ohtani, it was evident he was flourishing.
“I think that winning certainly helps,” Roberts said of Ohtani showing new levels of emotion with the Dodgers. “I think he does realize he’s the best player on the planet. I do think that he’s become over the course of the season, I think who he intrinsically is.
“He’s very isolated, very quiet, stays to himself, private. But I do think that naturally he is a goofy person. He’s fun-loving, he’s a crazy good competitor. So I think that when he sees people having fun, enjoying themselves in moments, I think we’ve seen more of that over the course of the season.
“I think that’s a good thing for him because it’s honest. And I think that’s a good thing for our players to see that, man, this guy is not just a robot. He’s a real person who has emotions. So I think this is good for everybody.”
Ohtani exceeding all expectations of himself on the field, winning his third career MVP and his first in the National League. He also attracted an entirely new fanbase to the Dodgers while captivating an entire region.
Shohei Ohtani boosted Dodgers sponsorship revenue
Ohtani’s team friendly-contract is one way he opened doors for the front office to acquire more talent. It also provided them with immense financial flexibility to stretch their payroll.
On the marketing end, the Dodgers reportedly earned a total of $70 million from new sponsorship revenue by adding 12 Japanese-based partners.
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