Dodgers Gave Shohei Ohtani Special Dog-Themed Gift to Try to Lure Him to Dodgers

The Dodgers’ recruitment of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani was years in the making. After multiple attempts, they finally got their guy in December, signing Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract.

The pitch that the Dodgers’ front office made to Ohtani showed they were serious about making him — and his dog — feel welcome in Los Angeles.

Reports have come out about a video of the late Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant speaking to Ohtani about how winning in the city of Los Angeles is amazing. Ohtani was a fan of Bryant and appreciated the message.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman apparently kept the video for six years, after not showing it to the star in 2018.

But the front office also had another trick up its sleeve. Ohtani received a gift at the conclusion of the meeting, knowing that it would bring the superstar some joy.

“The Dodgers had one more surprise. They waited until the end of their three-hour meeting, then handed Ohtani a gift box. He opened it and immediately burst out laughing and smiling. It was filled with Dodger-themed dog chew toys. It might have been the biggest hit of the day.”

— via Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated

Ohtani has a great sense of humor and he is a big fan of dogs. His own dog, Decoy, has become famous in short order, so the Dodgers played to this knowledge.

“It was our secret weapon.”

— Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman, via Sports Illustrated

Whatever the Dodgers put in the basket, it achieved its intended goal. Now, the biggest star in the game calls Los Angeles his home. He gives this team an extra bit of star power, this year as a hitter and next year as a pitcher as well.

Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, livestreams, and more!