Shohei Ohtani ‘Grateful’ for First Postseason Experience With Dodgers
When Shohei Ohtani became a free agent in 2023 following six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, he was the most coveted player in Major League Baseball. Even after undergoing surgery for a torn UCL that would limit Ohtani to playing solely as a designated hitter in 2024, Ohtani had his pick of which team he would end up with.
One of the primary reasons that Ohtani chose to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers was because he wanted the chance to chase and win World Series titles. The Dodgers have made the postseason every year since 2013. A playoff berth has practically become guaranteed for Los Angeles. Though the Dodgers have won just one World Series during this time, the team is regularly in contention for a title.
Now, Ohtani is finally experiencing his first MLB postseason less than a year after signing with the Dodgers, an experience he is grateful for.
“Simply put, I’m grateful to be in this environment, to be able to play in this playoff environment,” Ohtani said to reporters. “Having experienced playing in an away environment, it’s been fun being able to experience the passion of the fans. And I hope that I’ll be able to perform well tomorrow.”
Ohtani made his postseason debut during Game 1 of the National League Division Series in style, recording a three-run home run against San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease to help the Dodgers earn a 7-5 win. Over his last two games against the New York Mets in the NL Championship Series, Ohtani has hit a home run in each. Through his first postseason, Ohtani has hit .235 with eight hits, 10 runs, three home runs, and nine RBIs.
While Ohtani might be grateful to be playing in his first MLB postseason, the Dodgers and their fanbase should be equally if not more grateful to have Ohtani. Over the last two seasons, the Dodgers were unable to get past the NLDS. With Ohtani, the Dodgers have once again returned to the NLCS, and are one game away from making their first World Series since 2020. The Dodgers might have been bound to be a playoff team with or without Ohtani this season, but it’s hard to see them having this level of success without him.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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