Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Hoping to Help Baseball Grow Around the World
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has already helped the franchise reach new heights in the short time that he’s worn a Dodgers uniform. However, Ohtani’s ultimate goal is to grow the sport of baseball across the globe.
Ohtani had one of the best seasons in the history of baseball. The Dodgers’ designated hitter set career-highs in home runs, hits, runs scored, runs batted in, doubles, and stolen bases. Ohtani also invented the 50 home run, 50 stolen base club.
Finally, Ohtani was officially and unanimously named the National League Most Valuable Player for the 2024 season. Ohtani became the first exclusive designated hitter to win the award and became the first player in MLB history to unanimously win three MVPs.
It was the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable first season with the Dodgers.
“It’s very humbling,” Ohtani told Bob Nightengale of USA Today. “Obviously, I appreciate it. I’m very thankful for what I have, just how everybody has been supportive of me. That being said, what I do doesn’t really change. I’m going to continue to focus on the sport of baseball and just try to get better each day, laying it all on the field and doing the best I can.
“But at the same time, hopefully, the popularity of baseball continues to increase and baseball becomes more popular in different countries.
“Hopefully, the growth of this sport will continue.”
After one year in Los Angeles, Ohtani already surpassed all expectations. Dodgers fans are eager to see what’s next for the star in 2025.
The Dodgers have already revealed Ohtani plans to make his two-way debut in Los Angeles next season. Ohtani will join a rotation with a handful of other aces in the mix, including: Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell.
Ohtani’s arrival in Los Angeles made the Dodgers one of the most popular teams in MLB and it’s likely the franchise will continue to grow in the coming years.
Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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