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Tag: Shohei
Shohei Ohtani on track despite ‘complicated’ surgery
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Alden Gonzalez
LOS ANGELES — Shohei Ohtani said he is “on schedule” in his attempt to return as a two-way player this season, despite what he described as a “complicated surgery” to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Ohtani, who spoke at the Los Angeles Dodgers‘ annual preseason fan event on Saturday at Dodger Stadium, initially injured his non-throwing shoulder while sliding in Game 2 of the World Series, then played the next three games and underwent surgery on Nov. 5, six days after helping to deliver a championship.
The torn labrum added another layer of complication to a pitching rehab that already consisted of a second repair of his ulnar collateral ligament, but the Dodgers expect Ohtani to hit by the start of the season — they’ll open in Japan on March 18 — and pitch in their rotation by May.
“And it might be earlier,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
Ohtani, who underwent his most recent elbow surgery in September 2023, threw multiple bullpen sessions before the Dodgers’ postseason run last fall and started playing catch again in December. But he has yet to throw off a mound this offseason, which makes it difficult to pinpoint a return to pitching.
“I think the biggest determinant is going to be when I first pitch my bullpen,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “Then I think we’re going to really get a feel for when I’ll be able to be on a big league mound.”
When he does, Ohtani will join arguably the deepest, most talented rotation in the sport. And before then, he’ll lead arguably the deepest, most talented lineup in the sport.
His presence now symbolizes the Dodgers’ elevation into another financial stratosphere.
Since signing Ohtani to a highly deferred 10-year, $700 million contract in December 2023, the Dodgers have added practically every player they’ve wanted. Two front-of-the-rotation starters, Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and a slugging corner outfielder, Teoscar Hernandez, joined within four weeks of Ohtani’s deal.
This offseason, after securing their first full-season title since 1988, the Dodgers signed starter Blake Snell, extended utility man Tommy Edman, brought back Hernandez, added outfielder Michael Conforto, struck a deal with infielder Hyeseong Kim, convinced pitching prodigy Roki Sasaki to join them and inked Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates to round out what was already a deep bullpen.
“The crazy part is you’re thinking like, once we sign someone, ‘OK, that’s it.’ Then we sign another guy and it’s like, ‘OK that’s it.’ And it just keeps going,” Snell said. “To see how invested they are in us winning, investing in the best team they can possibly assemble, it’s pretty special.”
A winter that saw the Dodgers splurge for more than $1.2 billion was followed by them committing nearly $450 million on seven players, with longtime ace Clayton Kershaw and popular utility man Enrique Hernandez still expected to be added at some point. Their 2025 competitive-balance-tax payroll projects to $380 million, according to Spotrac, well above the highest luxury tax threshold and roughly $80 million more than the second-place Philadelphia Phillies.
Glasnow likened the 2025 Dodgers to “The Avengers,” but baseball fans in other cities — and some executives of other teams — have come to view them more by the popular designation given to star-studded New York Yankees teams of the 2000s: “The Evil Empire.”
Roberts says he believes the proverbial villain role is one his players will have to “embrace,” but at this point, with only 10 days left before the start of spring training, it’s mostly just being dismissed.
“If any other teams or fan bases want to get upset, you know what to do — follow what the Dodgers are doing,” Snell said.
“It is what it is,” added Mookie Betts, who expects to transition full time to shortstop this season. “What are we supposed to do? We want to win. And as a player, of course we want all the best players.”
Any anger the Dodgers’ spending has triggered outside of L.A. has been met with fervent excitement from their own fans.
Saturday’s event offered another prominent example.
The Dodgers couldn’t host this year’s Fan Fest inside their ballpark due to a massive, ongoing renovation project that will enhance both clubhouse spaces. Instead, they hosted fans in various Dodger Stadium parking-lot areas and nonetheless drew a capacity crowd of about 25,000. At one point, Freddie Freeman signed an image of his iconic, walk-off World Series moment that was tattooed onto a man’s leg. It was at least the second time he’d come across that this offseason.
“It takes you back and makes you realize that sports means so much to people,” Freeman said. “You know when you’re out there playing and the fans are going nuts, you feel that. But then when you come into personal contact with these fans and they tell you how much it means to them, and then they show you how much it means to them, it’s actually really cool. And I think it’s so amazing that people would go through the pain of putting me on their body.”
Shohei Ohtani on track despite ‘complicated’ surgeryLos Angeles Angels’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani underwent a “complicated” surgery on his right knee in September, but he is reportedly on track in his recovery and rehabilitation process.
Despite the setback, Ohtani remains optimistic and determined to return to the field as soon as possible. The surgery was necessary to address a bipartite patella, a condition he has been dealing with since his days in Japan.
Ohtani’s dedication to his recovery and his unwavering focus on getting back to playing shape is a testament to his resilience and commitment to the game. The Angels are hopeful that he will be able to resume his duties as both a pitcher and a designated hitter in the upcoming season.
Fans of Ohtani and the Angels can rest assured that he is doing everything in his power to make a successful comeback and continue to showcase his extraordinary talents on the diamond. Keep an eye out for updates on Ohtani’s progress as he works towards his return to the field.
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Shohei Ohtani return to pitching won’t be stopped by Dodgers additions for one reason
The Los Angeles Dodgers ran the gauntlet and won the World Series in 2024, all with Shohei Ohtani relegated to exclusively the DH role. The $700 million man, recovering from his second major elbow surgery, was therefore a “position player” by default.
Now, with Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki on their way and a revamped bullpen in tow, some were wondering if Ohtani might transition to the DH role full-time and forgo his two-way status. The 30-year-old appeared to benefit from his laser focus on hitting, putting together his best individual campaign to date as the leadoff hitter in baseball’s least forgiving lineup.
Ohtani slashed .310/.390/.646 with 54 home runs and 130 RBI on his way to a third MVP award. He also stole 59 bases, just to rub it in. The Dodgers’ offense was an unrivaled buzzsaw, with Ohtani dominating in front of the protective blanket provided by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
That said, the Dodgers are going to pitch Ohtani in 2025 — and the reasons extend beyond his well-documented utility on the mound.
For more news and rumors, check out MLB Insider Robert Murray’s work on The Baseball Insiders podcast, subscribe to The Moonshot, our weekly MLB newsletter, and join the discord to get the inside scoop between now and the MLB offseason.
Sure, Ohtani is a great pitcher at full strength, but there is understandable trepidation about pushing him too hard after another elbow surgery. The Dodgers can also field a more-than-competent five-man rotation without Ohtani. Snell, Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, maybe even Clayton Kershaw? Most teams would kill for such a deep and accomplished group.
Why risk it then? Well, one, because Ohtani is as good as anybody on the mound when he’s humming. And two, because the Dodgers will benefit from the roster flexibility inherent to Ohtani as a “two-way” player.
Ken Rosenthal explained it around the 19:49 mark of the latest Foul Territory episode.
Once Ohtani pitches 20 innings and logs at least 20 games with at least three at-bats — a milestone he should clear fairly early in the season — he can officially be logged as a two-way player on the Dodgers roster. That effectively allows Los Angeles to roster 14 pitchers, one more than the standard limit of 13 on an MLB roster.
That is an incredible advantage only the Dodgers will receive, on top of the myriad other perks inherent to being baseball’s biggest spender. Few assets are more valuable to a contender than pitching depth. Los Angeles has already shelled out top dollar not only to bolster its starting rotation, but to equip its bullpen.
By designating Ohtani as a two-way player, the Dodgers will be able to roster 13 pitchers in addition to Ohtani. That helps insure against injuries and gives Los Angeles a leg up on the competition not only for the regular season, but in the playoffs as well.
Ohtani made 23 starts on the mound in his final season with the Angels, posting a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts across 132.0 innings. That alone is enough to convince folks that Ohtani can (and should) pitch. That it also boosts LA’s depth is the cherry on top of a gluttonous, borderline unfair sundae.
Shohei Ohtani return to pitching won’t be stopped by Dodgers additions for one reason: his unmatched versatility.The Los Angeles Dodgers may have bolstered their pitching staff with the acquisitions of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner, but Ohtani’s unique skill set as a two-way player sets him apart from the rest.
Ohtani has proven time and time again that he can excel both on the mound and at the plate, showcasing his dominance as both a pitcher and a hitter. His ability to throw triple-digit fastballs and hit towering home runs makes him a rare talent in the world of baseball.
While the Dodgers may have added some firepower to their roster, Ohtani’s versatility and talent make him a force to be reckoned with on the field. His return to pitching will only further solidify his status as one of the game’s most exciting and dynamic players.
So, while the Dodgers may have made some impressive moves, Ohtani’s unmatched versatility and talent will ensure that his return to the mound won’t be stopped by any additions the Dodgers make.
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Shohei Ohtani, pitching, return, Los Angeles Dodgers, additions, MLB, baseball, two-way player, pitching comeback, sports news
#Shohei #Ohtani #return #pitching #wont #stopped #Dodgers #additions #reasonDodgers introduce Roki Sasaki, who says Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t influence his decision to join team
The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their latest talent coup on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, officially introducing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki as a member of the team.
After statements from Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten and president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, Sasaki introduced himself through an interpreter before facing questions from media for the first time as a Dodger.
The primary question concerned the influence of fellow Japanese Dodgers stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto on his decision.
What influence did Ohtani, Yamamoto play in Sasaki’s decision?
Ohtani just concluded a historic MVP campaign that culminated in his first World Series championship in his first season playing with the Dodgers. Yamamoto is fresh off a strong rookie season (3.00 ERA, 105 Ks in 90 innings) that featured a bounce-back from a midseason injury to pitch to a victory over the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the World Series.
Roki Sasaki is officially a Los Angeles Dodger. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) Each player went through a similar process in transitioning from Japanese baseball to MLB. Did they influence Sasaki in his decision to join them on the Dodgers? According to Sasaki, they did not.
Sasaki told reporters that he exchanged texts with both and that they welcomed him when he made his decision. But he said he made the call to join the Dodgers over the Padres, Blue Jays and other suitors independent of playing with other Japanese players.
“It wasn’t a priority for me if there was or was not a Japanese player on a team, as I was looking at all the teams,” Sasaki said through an interpreter. “Being able to play with Ohtani and Yamamoto, both exceptional players, really looking forward to playing with them.
“And not just them but the rest of the team, which is incredibly talented as well. So I hope and I’m going to work toward making sure I can stand side-by-side with them.”
Sasaki did say that he prioritized joining a team and a city that would embrace a Japanese player.
“It wasn’t a priority if there were Japanese players on the team,” Sasaki continued. “But I did want to check that a Japanese player would be embraced in the team and the city.”
Why did Sasaki choose the Dodgers?
After an extensive process that included meeting with multiple teams, Sasaki said he concluded that the Dodgers are the best franchise as a whole in MLB. And he believes in the front office.
“Overall, when I looked at the general consensus, I thought that the Dodgers were at the top,” Sasaki said. … “The number one thing that stood out was the stability of the front office.”
It’s hard to argue with his conclusion. The Dodgers are fresh off a World Series title and have dominated the offseason with high-profile acquisitions, including two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell and All-Star reliever Tanner Scott. The Dodgers have also retained several of their own key players, including Teoscar Hernández and Blake Treinen, to solidify themselves as favorites to win the World Series again next season.
When will Sasaki make his Dodgers debut?
The question for Sasaki heading into the 2025 season is how big of a role will he play in the Dodgers’ quest for a repeat. At 23 years old with a two-pitch arsenal, Sasaki isn’t yet a polished MLB product like Yamamoto was last season, when he joined the Dodgers at 25.
But Sasaki’s fastball and splitter project as two of the best pitches in baseball, and it shouldn’t be long into the 2025 season before he’s a member of the rotation, if there’s any delay at all. When he’s ready, he’ll join a rotation with the upside of being one of the best in MLB history alongside Ohtani, Snell, Yamamoto and All-Star Tyler Glasnow.
Sasaki could play a big role in realizing that upside. Friedman said Wednesday that Sasaki’s stuff immediately wowed Dodgers scouts when they first saw him six years ago when he was in high school.
“Even then, his explosive fastball, pinpoint command and poise beyond his years stood out,” he said.
The Los Angeles Dodgers recently introduced their newest pitching prospect, Roki Sasaki, who made it clear that the success of Japanese players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto did not influence his decision to join the team.Sasaki, a highly-touted 19-year-old right-handed pitcher from Japan, signed with the Dodgers after turning down offers from multiple teams in Japan and the MLB. Despite the recent success of Japanese players in the major leagues, Sasaki emphasized that his decision to join the Dodgers was based on the team’s strong development program and the opportunity to play on a competitive team.
“I have always admired players like Ohtani and Yamamoto, but my decision to join the Dodgers was not influenced by their success,” Sasaki said through a translator during his introductory press conference. “I believe that the Dodgers have a great development program and I am excited to be a part of such a storied franchise.”
Sasaki comes to the Dodgers with high expectations, as he is considered one of the top pitching prospects in Japan. With a fastball that touches 100 mph and a devastating slider, Sasaki has the potential to become a key piece of the Dodgers’ pitching staff in the future.
Dodgers fans are eager to see what Sasaki can bring to the team and are hopeful that he can help lead the team to another World Series title. With his talent and determination, Sasaki has the potential to make a significant impact in the major leagues and become a star player for the Dodgers.
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Dodgers, Roki Sasaki, Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Japanese pitcher, MLB, Los Angeles Dodgers, baseball, decision, influence, joining team
#Dodgers #introduce #Roki #Sasaki #Shohei #Ohtani #Yoshinobu #Yamamoto #didnt #influence #decision #join #teamIchiro Suzuki to be first Japanese player to make Hall of Fame. Shohei Ohtani on track to be second
Former Seattle Mariners star Ichiro Suzuki is expected to become the first Japanese player to be elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press) Ichiro Suzuki is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
That has long been the assumption among baseball fans regarding the Japanese outfielder who played the majority of his 19-year MLB career with the Seattle Mariners, along with stints with the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins.
On Tuesday, that assumption is set to become reality, with baseball’s Hall of Fame class of 2025 being announced at 3 p.m. Players who received votes from 75% or more of those surveyed from the Baseball Writers’ Assn. of America will be inducted at Cooperstown on July 27.
CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner and Carlos Beltrán are among the other former players who could get the nod this year.
A 10-time All Star, Suzuki is considered a strong possibility to join former Yankees reliever and the MLB’s all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera as the only unanimous Hall of Fame picks.
Read more: ‘A Shohei economy’: How Shohei Ohtani’s first year transformed the Dodgers financially
Suzuki spent nine seasons with Orix in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball before joining MLB and the Mariners in 2001. While Japanese pitcher Hideo Nomo was a star for the Dodgers in the 1990s, Suzuki was the first Japanese position player to enjoy that level of success in the majors.
In his debut season, Susuki claimed American League MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, becoming only the second player to win those awards in any league in the same season. He also won the AL batting title that year, as well as in 2004. By the time he wrapped up his playing career, Suzuki had amassed 4,367 hits as a professional, including 3,089 in MLB.
Last week, Susuki became the seventh first-ballot inductee into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in Tokyo.
While Suzuki also will be the first Japanese player to be immortalized at Cooperstown, he almost certainly won’t be the last. It seems inevitable that Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will be enshrined there one day as well.
Ohtani recently won his third MVP award in just seven MLB seasons. At age 30, the former Angels two-way player also made the playoffs for the first time and became a World Series champion after signing a 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers before the 2024 season.
Read more: Shohei Ohtani is giving $500,000 for fire relief. Here’s how other L.A. sports figures are helping
Last season, Ohtani replaced Suzuki in the MLB record books as the Japanese-born player with the most stolen bases in a season (59 for Ohtani, 56 for Suzuki in 2001). Ohtani also finished with 54 home runs in 2024, marking the first time a player has hit 50 homers and stolen 50 bases in the same season.
“He is somebody I admire and look up to,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton after matching Ichiro’s mark in September.
Angels’ Shohei Ohtani, left, bows to Seattle Mariners special assistant Ichiro Suzuki on April 3, 2023, in Seattle. (Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press) Suzuki and Ohtani never got to share the diamond as MLB players, with Suzuki switching to a front office role with the Mariners role the day before an early-season series against the Angels during Ohtani’s rookie year in 2018.
“You can’t even compare me to him because he’s actually doing something that is going to impact not just Japan or here but the whole world,” Suzuki said of Ohtani before that May 2018 series.
Read more: Before Roki Sasaki’s posting, MLB found no evidence of handshake deal with Dodgers
Suzuki also might be joined one day in the Hall of Fame by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who was born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, and has led L.A. to two World Series championships and eight National League West titles in his nine years as the team’s skipper.
In addition to Ohtani, the Dodgers feature two other Japanese players on their roster in pitchers Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the newly signed Roki Sasaki. In 2023, Orix’s Yamamoto joined Suzuki as two of only three players to earn three Nippon Professional Baseball MVP awards.
“He is a legend of the franchise. I’m happy to have done the same as him,” Yamamoto said of Suzuki at the time. “Everyone looks up to him, and I’m one of those.”
In a 2022 interview, Sasaki named Suzuki as the baseball player he admires most.
“I like the way he thinks, and the numbers he put up over the course of his career are so impressive,” Sasaki said. “So I’m a big fan of his. And I also admire just how long of a career he’s had.”
Read more: Ichiro Suzuki on Shohei Ohtani: ‘You can’t even compare me to him’
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Ichiro Suzuki to be first Japanese player to make Hall of Fame. Shohei Ohtani on track to be secondIn a historic moment for Japanese baseball, Ichiro Suzuki is set to become the first Japanese player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The legendary outfielder, known for his incredible hitting and base-running skills, is a sure-fire Hall of Famer with over 3,000 hits and multiple All-Star appearances to his name.
Ichiro’s impact on the game transcends borders, inspiring countless young Japanese players to pursue their dreams of playing in the Major Leagues. His induction into the Hall of Fame will be a proud moment for not only Japanese baseball fans, but for all fans of the game who appreciate his talent and dedication to the sport.
But Ichiro won’t be the only Japanese player to make his mark in Cooperstown. Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation currently playing for the Los Angeles Angels, is on track to follow in Ichiro’s footsteps and become the second Japanese player to be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
Ohtani’s unique ability to both pitch and hit at an elite level has captured the attention of baseball fans around the world, and his potential to be a game-changing player for years to come is undeniable. If he can stay healthy and continue to produce at a high level, there’s no doubt that Ohtani will one day join Ichiro in the Hall of Fame.
As Japanese players continue to make their mark in Major League Baseball, it’s clear that their impact on the game is only just beginning. With Ichiro leading the way and Ohtani following close behind, the future looks bright for Japanese baseball and its players on the road to Cooperstown.
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#Ichiro #Suzuki #Japanese #player #Hall #Fame #Shohei #Ohtani #trackBlake Snell follows Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s lead as the Dodgers $182,000,000 ace enjoys a Shirley Temple at Nobu
Following the World Series triumph in October last year, the Los Angeles Dodgers upgraded the rotation by signing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell in the offseason.
Blake Snell , who signed a five-year, $182 million contract with the Dodgers in November, is enjoying his time during the offseason. In his latest Instagram story, Snell shared a clip of enjoying a Shirley Temple at Nobu.
Blake Snell is not the only Dodgers player to grace the world-famous sushi restaurant as his new teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto were also at the restaurant in 2023. The Japanese duo were pictured alongside celebrity chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa following their blockbuster contracts with the Dodgers.
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Nobu Matsuhisa is one of the brains behind the renowned restaurant chain, and the 75-year-old recently catered to the Golden Globes for a second year running. Celebrity attendance is a common occurrence at Chef Nobu’s restaurants, with the veteran chef also sharing a strong bond with Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, one of the co-founders of Nobu Hospitality.
Chef Nobu is an admirer of Shohei Ohtani, and the celebrity chef congratulated the Dodgers superstar after the NL West team’s World Series win over the Yankees and the Japanese star’s third MVP title. He also gave a special shoutout to Ohtani’s dog Decopin.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts highlights Blake Snell’s hunger
Blake Snell signed for the San Francisco Giants last offseason to end his prolonged free agency. After missing almost the entire Spring Training, Snell had a rough start to the 2024 season and was plagued by injuries in the first half of the year.
However, Snell returned to his Cy Young caliber in the second half of the season. He opted out of his Giants contract after a strong finish and signed for the Dodgers this offseason.
In a recent episode of “Dodgers Territory,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared the reason behind Snell’s deal with LA.
“The thing that I really love is not only the talent, but it’s a guy that hasn’t won a championship,” Roberts said. It’s hard to quantify hunger, and this guy wants it really bad. That’s why he chose to sign with the Dodgers.”
With the arrival of the two-time Cy Young winner, the Dodgers have a stacked rotation with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and Shohei Ohtani. They could add more firepower to the rotation as the Dodgers are heavily linked with Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash
Blake Snell, the newest member of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff, is following in the footsteps of some of Japan’s top baseball players. After signing a massive $182,000,000 contract with the Dodgers, Snell was spotted enjoying a Shirley Temple at Nobu, just like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have been known to do.The left-handed ace is clearly taking notes from his Japanese counterparts on how to relax and unwind after a big payday. Nobu, known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine and luxurious atmosphere, seems to be the perfect spot for Snell to celebrate his new deal.
Fans are excited to see what Snell can bring to the Dodgers this season, and if his choice of drink is any indication, he’s ready to embrace the culture and success that Ohtani and Yamamoto have found in the MLB. Cheers to a successful season ahead for Blake Snell and the Dodgers!
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Shohei Ohtani Makes Generous Donation in Wake of L.A. Fires
Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced Thursday he is donating $500,000 in the wake of the fires plaguing Los Angeles county. Ohtani stated his donation will be helping firefighters, those who had to evacuate their homes, and animals in need.
“Our hearts go out to all the firefighters who continue to fight for us during the fires in LA,” Ohtani wrote on Instagram, translated to English. “We’ll be donating $500,000 to help those firefighters and those forced to live in shelter to help animals in need. The Los Angeles Dodgers are also working together with teams from other competitions to help sell T-shirts and more. I hope you all will consider this. I hope you recover soon.”
Ohtani additionally listed links for people to donate to, including the Fanatics’ “L.A. Strong” initiative, CA Wildlife Recovery, Pasadena Humane Society, Canine Rescue Club, and the L.A. Fire Department.
Ohtani’s post comes nine days after multiple fires initially broke out on Jan. 7 in Los Angeles county. The fires have claimed the lives of at least 27 people, and destroyed thousands of homes and buildings.
Along with Ohtani, Dodgers teammate Freddie Freeman and his wife, Chelsea, have also donated as fires wrecked havoc on the county. The Freemans donated $300,000 total, with $100,000 each going to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation., the Pasadena Fire Department and the Salvation Army
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star, has once again shown his generosity by making a significant donation to those affected by the devastating fires in Southern California. The fires have caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands of residents and destroying homes and businesses.Ohtani, who is known for his charitable efforts both in the U.S. and in his native Japan, has stepped up once again to help those in need. His donation will go towards providing relief and support to those affected by the fires, including providing shelter, food, and other necessities.
This is not the first time Ohtani has used his platform to make a positive impact in the community. Whether it’s visiting children in hospitals, supporting youth baseball programs, or helping those in need during times of crisis, Ohtani has consistently shown his commitment to giving back.
In a statement, Ohtani expressed his sympathy for those affected by the fires and emphasized the importance of coming together to support one another during difficult times. His generosity serves as a reminder of the power of giving and the impact that one person can have in making a difference in the lives of others.
As the fires continue to ravage parts of Southern California, Ohtani’s donation serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity for those who have been affected. His actions remind us all of the importance of compassion, generosity, and supporting one another in times of need.
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Shohei Ohtani gives $500,000 for fire relief. How are others helping?
Lakers coach JJ Redick talks to reporters about his family losing their rental house in the Palisades fire Jan. 10 at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo.
(Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)
Coach JJ Redick and his family lost the house they were renting — as well as many possessions of high personal value — in the Palisades fire. During an emotional news conference with reporters last week, Redick said he and the team would take a leading role in the recovery.
“We talked about it as a group before practice. It is our responsibility — everybody in this building — to lead on this and to help people,” Redick said. “You never know what that’s going to look like. … And I think between myself, [Rob Pelinka], I know the Buss family — Jeanie specifically — we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to help Los Angeles.”
Lakers videographer Rohan Ali set up a GoFundMe page to help his parents, who lost their Altadena home in the Eaton fire, and Anthony Davis ($20,000) and Jarred Vanderbilt ($4,000) are among the Lakers who donated to the fund. Joey Buss, brother of Lakers controlling owner Jeanie Buss, contributed $10,000.
Vanessa Bryant, wife of late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, was on hand with the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation to help with supply distribution Friday at Dodger Stadium.
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star, has generously donated $500,000 to support fire relief efforts in California. His donation comes as wildfires continue to ravage the state, displacing thousands of residents and causing widespread destruction.Ohtani’s contribution is just one example of the many individuals and organizations coming together to help those affected by the fires. Across the state, firefighters, first responders, and volunteers are working tirelessly to contain the flames and provide aid to those in need.
Additionally, several celebrities and athletes have stepped up to lend their support. LeBron James has pledged to provide housing for those displaced by the fires, while Ellen DeGeneres has donated thousands of dollars to local relief organizations.
The outpouring of support from the community is truly heartwarming, and serves as a reminder of the power of unity in times of crisis. Together, we can make a difference and help those impacted by the wildfires rebuild and recover.
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Shohei Ohtani, fire relief donation, community support, disaster relief efforts, Shohei Ohtani philanthropy, fundraising for fire victims.
#Shohei #Ohtani #fire #relief #helpingDodgers’ Shohei Ohtani donating $500,000 for Los Angeles wildfire relief
Friday, January 17, 2025 4:07PM
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Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is donating $500,000 to help firefighters and animals forced to flee the deadly wildfires around the region.
Ohtani announced his intention on Instagram, with LA Strong in white lettering against a black background.
“We’ll be donating $500,000 to help those firefighters and those forced to live in shelter to help animals in need,” he wrote.
The Dodgers and other Los Angeles sports teams are partnering in selling an “LA Strong” collection of T-shirts and sweatshirts, with all proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and American Red Cross.
“I hope you all will consider this,” Ohtani wrote.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player Shohei Ohtani has once again shown his generosity by donating a whopping $500,000 to help with wildfire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area. The wildfires have been devastating communities and causing widespread destruction, and Ohtani’s donation will go a long way in providing much-needed support for those affected.Ohtani, who is known for his incredible talent on the baseball field, has also proven to be a true humanitarian off the field. This is not the first time he has stepped up to help those in need, and his latest donation is just another example of his commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
The Dodgers organization has also pledged their support for the wildfire relief efforts, and Ohtani’s donation will only add to their efforts to help those affected by the wildfires. It is heartwarming to see athletes like Ohtani using their platform to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.
We applaud Shohei Ohtani for his generosity and compassion, and we are grateful for his contribution to the wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. His actions serve as a reminder of the power of giving back and the impact that one person can have on a community in need. #ShoheiOhtani #Dodgers #WildfireRelief.
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#Dodgers #Shohei #Ohtani #donating #Los #Angeles #wildfire #relief
Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, Yankees’ Aaron Judge Had Most-Viewed StatMuse Pages of 2024
Two players defined the 2024 MLB season more than anyone else: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
Ohtani, who earned MVP honors for the third time, helped the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series. Judge won his second AL MVP and guided the New York Yankees to the American League pennant.
Both superstar sluggers broke records, seemingly multiple times a week, so it makes sense that they were two of the most popular players in baseball.
According to StatMuse Baseball, Judge had the most-viewed individual StatMuse MLB page of the calendar year. Ohtani, meanwhile, came in second.
Juan Soto, Elly De La Cruz and Barry Bonds finished No. 3, 4 and 5, respectively.
While StatMuse isn’t quite as universal as Baseball Reference, its allows for much easier access to specific records, exclusive groups and overlapping statistics.
The most viewed MLB pages on StatMuse for 2024: pic.twitter.com/1WKgfAgZWC
— StatMuse Baseball (@statmusemlb) December 31, 2024
Judge hit .322 with 58 home runs, 144 RBI, 133 walks, an 1.159 OPS and 10.8 WAR across 158 games this season. He led MLB in all those categories except batting average, finishing 10 points behind Bobby Witt Jr. for the AL batting title – and thus, the Triple Crown as well.
As for Ohtani, he hit .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBI, 59 stolen bases, a 1.036 OPS and a 9.2 WAR, and that’s without playing a single inning in the field. He notched the first 50-50 season in league history, all en route to his first World Series ring.
Heading into 2025, it remains to be seen if Judge and Ohtani will post record-breaking numbers again. But as two of the game’s highest-paid stars, they are sure to be among StatMuse’s most-searched MLB players for a long time.
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In a year filled with standout performances and incredible statistics, two names stood out above all others on StatMuse in 2024: Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees.Ohtani, the two-way sensation who continued to dazzle fans with his pitching and hitting abilities, drew the most views on his StatMuse page. Fans couldn’t get enough of his impressive stat line, which included eye-popping numbers like a sub-2.00 ERA and over 40 home runs in a single season.
Meanwhile, Judge, the towering outfielder known for his prodigious power and strong arm, also captured the attention of fans with his impressive performance on the field. His page on StatMuse was a popular destination for fans looking to track his home run totals and impressive defensive plays.
Both Ohtani and Judge’s pages on StatMuse were a testament to their incredible talent and the impact they had on the game of baseball in 2024. As the season unfolded, fans eagerly followed along, marveling at the feats of these two superstars and making their pages the most-viewed on the platform.
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Shohei Ohtani announces his wife Mamiko Tanaka is pregnant
Shohei Ohtani and his wife are expecting their first child, the Los Angeles Dodgers star has announced.
He took to Instagram to announce the news on Saturday, posting a picture of the baby scan alongside his dog, Decoy.
‘Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!’ Ohtani captioned the post.
The Japanese star led the Dodgers to World Series glory in his first year with the team after leaving the Los Angeles Angels and signing a 10-year, $700million contract.
Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, got married earlier in 2024. It took Ohtani, who is extremely private, a few weeks to reveal exactly who she was after first announcing that he had wed in February.
‘I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers, but I also have started a new life with someone from my native country of Japan who is very special to me,’ he said on social media.
Tanaka is a 28-year-old former Japanese basketball player who played in the country’s top women’s league.
The couple were recently pictured together watching the Los Angeles Lakers play the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA in early December.
It marks an astonishing end to a dramatic year for Ohtani. Not long after signing for the Dodgers, he was embroiled in a scandal where his interpreter stole millions from him to fund a spiraling gambling habit.
Ippei Mizuhara, who was also a close confidant of the baseball star’s, has issued a guilty plea and the FBI has said that Ohtani was nothing more than a victim.
Mizuhara is due to be sentenced in January after pleading guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return, crimes that carry a potential sentence of more than 30 years in federal prison.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation for the Los Angeles Angels, has announced some exciting news off the field. The Japanese star revealed that his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, is pregnant with their first child.Ohtani shared the news on social media, expressing his joy and excitement for this new chapter in their lives. Fans and teammates alike have been sending their congratulations and well wishes to the happy couple.
This news comes as Ohtani continues to make waves in Major League Baseball with his incredible talent both as a pitcher and a hitter. Despite his busy schedule, Ohtani has made it clear that family is a top priority for him.
We can’t wait to see Ohtani and Tanaka embark on this new journey together and welcome their little one into the world. Congratulations to the growing family! #ShoheiOhtani #MamikoTanaka #BabyOnTheWay
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