What Shohei Ohtani Told Dave Roberts Before breaking the club record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player

In a jovial moment within the baseball fraternity, Dave Roberts, manager of the Dodgers, shared a playful jest with Shohei Ohtani. Roberts, holding a cherished Dodgers record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player, teasingly suggested that if Ohtani were to surpass this milestone, a luxurious Porsche should be his token of appreciation. Fast forward to a Friday game against the Atlanta Braves, anticipation filled the air as Ohtani, true to his word, orchestrated a surprise for Roberts. In a heartwarming gesture, Ohtani entered Roberts’ office, grinning mischievously, and presented him with a miniature purple toy model Porsche. The playful exchange not only showcased the camaraderie among baseball peers but also highlighted the fun-loving spirit that permeates the sport, reminding us all that even amidst fierce competition, moments of laughter and friendship are cherished.

In a resounding 11-2 victory on Saturday, Shohei Ohtani etched his name deeper into MLB history, surpassing Dave Roberts’ esteemed mark with his eighth home run. The pivotal moment unfolded in the third inning, as Ohtani unleashed a thunderous solo shot to right-center field, electrifying the crowd and solidifying his status as a baseball phenom. Reflecting on his achievement, Ohtani, speaking through interpreter Will Ireton, jovially acknowledged Roberts’ playful challenge, stating, “He said he wanted a car, and I’m glad he was happy that he got a car.” Postgame celebrations took on an added layer of camaraderie as Roberts himself made a special appearance during Ohtani’s interview, proudly showcasing the whimsical gift – the miniature purple toy model Porsche – and extending heartfelt congratulations to Ohtani for his record-breaking feat. The scene epitomized the essence of sportsmanship and mutual admiration within the MLB community, where rivalries are set aside to celebrate moments of triumph and camaraderie.

“This is my car,” Roberts said, showing it to reporters. “The difference is Joe’s car (pitcher Joe Kelly) doesn’t fit in my office. This car fits on my desk. So thank you, Shohei.”

Ohtani also gifted a Porsche to Ashley Kelly, the wife of Joe Kelly, for Joe giving up No. 17 when Ohtani joined the Dodgers last December. Kelly’s wife promised Ohtani the number and gear associated with it during his free agency decision, which he appreciated.

Born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan, to a multicultural background – with a Japanese mother and an American father – Dave Roberts’ journey in Major League Baseball is as diverse as his heritage. Making his mark with the Dodgers from 2002 to 2004, Roberts showcased his power at the plate, launching seven home runs during his tenure with the team. His ability to transcend borders and cultures resonated with fans, as he became a symbol of diversity and inclusivity within the MLB community. Roberts’ upbringing and achievements serve as a testament to the universal appeal of baseball, bridging continents and uniting people from all walks of life under the banner of America’s pastime.

“I’ve received different gifts from players but this is right at the top, for sure,” Roberts said. More than anything though, the gift shows off Ohtani’s sense of humor along with how much fun he is having in his first season with the Dodgers after signing a 10 year, $700 million contract.

“I like to make people laugh and I’m hoping to do more of these,” Ohtani said. Ohtani is sixth in the majors with a .345 batting average. That is also his best average through 34 games in his seven years in the big leagues. His best average at this point with the Los Angeles Angels was .319 during his rookie season in 2018.

Amidst a formidable run of form, the Dodgers have emerged victorious in 10 of their last 12 matchups, showcasing their dominance on the diamond. Meanwhile, during this impressive stretch, Shohei Ohtani has been a force to be reckoned with, tallying 15 hits in 47 at-bats, accompanied by four powerful home runs and a notable 11 RBIs. Notably, Ohtani’s impact resonated strongly in Saturday’s game, where he delivered three hits and drove in two crucial runs, further solidifying his status as a dynamic offensive threat. This remarkable performance underscores Ohtani’s versatility and contribution to his team’s success, as he continues to captivate fans and make headlines with his remarkable skill set on the MLB stage.

“I think with Shohei it just speaks to how comfortable he feels here with the Dodgers. How excited he is to play winning baseball,” Roberts said. “I think that the way he’s been received, the way he’s melded with our ballclub and how much the fans have embraced him, he feels it.

I firmly believe that Shohei Ohtani’s performance on the field reflects his enjoyment and passion for the game. His current level of play suggests that he’s experiencing as much joy as ever before. Ohtani’s prowess is undeniable, evidenced by his impressive tally of 179 career home runs in Major League Baseball. Earlier this month, he surpassed the legendary Hideki Matsui to claim the title of the most home runs by a Japanese-born player, a feat previously held by Matsui with 175 homers amassed over his illustrious 10-year MLB career. Ohtani’s achievement not only cements his place in baseball history but also serves as a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.

The tantalizing prospect of Shohei Ohtani purchasing Dave Roberts a real Porsche sparks intrigue among baseball enthusiasts. When pondering what it would take for this whimsical scenario to materialize, Ohtani playfully dangles the possibility, stating, “If we win the World Series, I’ll think about it.” This declaration adds a layer of excitement to the ongoing MLB season, as fans eagerly anticipate the outcome and wonder if Ohtani’s promise will come to fruition. Such lighthearted banter exemplifies the camaraderie and camaraderie prevalent within the baseball community, where dreams of championship glory are intertwined with moments of playful jest and good-natured camaraderie among players and managers alike.