Be it having a flare for the dramatic or remarkable level of talent that allows for an ability to seize the moment, there have been several instances of Shohei Ohtani meeting — if not exceeding — expectations.
Such was the case for Ohtani’s first game back at the Tokyo Dome since signing a record contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that served as a springboard for the organization working to capture the support of an entire nation.
Yes, the Dodgers’ opening exhibition game in Japan was against the beloved Yomiuri Giants, who make their home at the Tokyo Dome. But Ohtani is who fans clamored to see.
“We’re all waiting in great anticipation. Shohei, to be quite honest, in the last seven years, has represented almost singlehandedly the people of Japan,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before first pitch.
“So for him to come back here in person, it’s going to be an emotional night for a lot of people, I’m sure.”
Ohtani drew loud cheers when lineups were introduced and he was announced as the leadoff hitter. Silence then fell over the Tokyo Dome each time Ohtani stepped into the batter’s box.
In the third inning, with the Dodgers leading 2-0, Ohtani ambushed the first pitch from Shosei Togo and hit a home run that sent the stadium into a frenzy.
“He always seems to rise to certain occasions and expectations, to put on a performance,” Roberts said. “Once again, he delivered.”
Perhaps the only surprise was Ohtani did not hit a home run in his first at-bat. He walked but was erased on a double play.
The Dodgers, of course, witnessed plenty of Ohtani moments firsthand throughout 2024. He produced the first 50-50 season in MLB history with arguably the greatest single-game performance.
“We got a really good taste of it last year, whether it be at Dodger Stadium or on the road, of how popular he was,” Roberts said. “This certainly takes it to another level, because this is where he’s from. This is home.
“I’m just excited the fans got to see a great show.”
Michael Conforto praises Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani’s homer was one of three the Dodgers hit in the third inning. Their barrage began with Michael Conforto and also included a solo blast from Teoscar Hernández.
“It’s really amazing. In every big moment, he seems to do what fans want him to do. Like in Spring Training, his first at-bat he goes and hits a homer,” Conforto said of Ohtani.
“You just had the feeling he was going to go out there and do it for the fans tonight. He did exactly that. It’s been really cool for me to see. Being a teammate of his, seeing how hard he works. Kind of all the reasons why he can do the things he does is he works very, very hard.
“It’s a really cool thing to see and watch.”
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