Shohei Ohtani Praised Dodgers Fans After First Home Game With LA
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani checked off another Dodger milestone this week when he played in his first home game at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. After signing with the Dodgers in free agency on a 10-year, $700 million deal this offseason, Ohtani made his much-anticipated debut at Dodger Stadium. It wasn’t just a milestone for Ohtani, but Dodgers fans too. For many fans, this was the first time they got to see Ohtani in person.
The introduction to Ohtani did not disappoint. When Ohtani was introduced by Bryan Cranston ahead of the game, he was welcomed to huge applause. He later received another big applause during his first at-bat.
Ohtani said he was “very grateful” following his first home start for the Dodgers.
“I’m very grateful, now being part of the Dodgers, and being received by the Dodger fans. Obviously I’ve been here before as an opposing player so it was a little intimidating. I’m very grateful for the fans – and there were a lot of them.”
In his first home game with the Dodgers, Ohtani had a memorable first at-bat. After notching a hit with Mookie Betts on base already, Ohtani was ready to go for a triple. The only problem was Betts remained at third base, so Ohtani was tagged out.
Overall, he recorded two hits, one walk and one run in three at-bats in the Dodgers’ 7-1 win.
On Friday, he didn’t have as much luck, going 0-for-4. But the Dodgers didn’t need him, as they won 6-3.
Photo Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
