The Los Angeles Dodgers formally introduced Shohei Ohtani as their newest face of the team during a press conference on Thursday at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani became the first professional athlete to eclipse the $700 million mark with his historic 10-year contract.
Now wearing No. 17 in Dodger Blue, that number was previously held by Joe Kelly, who happily handed it over and now wears No. 99.
Once the announcement of the two-way superstar’s deal, his merchandise was in high demand. Ohtani’s No. 17 Dodgers jersey set a record for sales in the first 48 hours of release, according to Fanatics, he doubled that of soccer star Lionel Messi.
Shohei Ohtani just set our all-time record for highest sales within 48 hours of a jersey release 👀🐐#Fanatics #ThreadCount #ShoheiOhtani pic.twitter.com/2InI3DgO0H
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) December 13, 2023
In third place is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United jersey, followed by Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields and Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper is fifth.
Ohtani making the move from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers puts him with a franchise rooted in Major League Baseball history and will likely continue to grow both his own brand, as well as the club’s.
And it’s clear Dodgers fans are showing their excitement in record numbers prior to his tenure officially starting with his first game.
Shohei Ohtani popularity greatly impacting Dodgers
Prior to the signing of Ohtani, the Dodgers’ popularity among baseball fans in the United States and around the world was strong.
Their brand is iconic, mainly because of their long history, and number of groundbreaking players who have worn the uniform. Ohtani is the next, and the Dodgers’ following on their social media is feeling the bump.
The New York Yankees were the most followed MLB club on Instagram with 3.3 million, but following the Ohtani contract with the Dodgers, their count is up to 3.5 million.
Ohtani’s introductory press conference on Thursday at Dodger Stadium was watched by millions, mentioning that he ‘can’t wait to join the Dodgers.’
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