The 2024 season is underway for the Los Angeles Dodgers with prized free agent Shohei Ohtani helping lead the Dodgers to a hot-start. Ohtani has officially been a member of the Dodgers organization since December of last year, but there has still been a constant buzz around his first season in L.A.
Soon after word of his signing became official, the murals of Ohtani in the signature Dodger Blue began popping up across the city, and another was unveiled before Opening Day.
The latest mural dedicated to Ohtani was shown in its entirety on March 27, and was painted by local Los Angeles County artist Robert Vargas.
Vargas is an artist who has been honored by the city of Los Angeles with the dedication of an intersection in his hometown of Boyle Heights, and with Robert Vargas Day every Sept. 8 as recognition of his contributions to the cultural life of the city, to the arts, and as a leading example of creativity for the community.
The Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo, located at First Street between Central and San Pedro, was the canvas on which the mural was painted on.
Since signing with the Dodgers, Ohtani has set multiple records, including breaking manager Dave Roberts’ franchise record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player. He also passed Hideki Matsui for the all-time MLB lead in the same category.
Ohtani also capped off his hot start by being named National League Player of the Week for the first week of May.
This has all come amid controversy surrounding his former interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, making his focus and start all the more noteworthy.
Updated list of Shohei Ohtani murals
Oceanview Liquor: 3232 Manhattan Ave., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Prociety: 1501 Main St., Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Miyako Hotel: 328 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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