LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Shohei Ohtani made his first official appearance as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing off on a 10-year contract. Dressed in a well-fitted suit and flashing a refreshing smile that would appeal to the masses considering his introductory press conference was blasted around the world, Ohtani automatically took over the role as the face of the franchise.
At 29, Ohtani is young enough to be branded as the face of the franchise. With a contract reportedly worth $700 million, Ohtani also put an enormous of pressure on himself as well as the ballclub to win a World Series. But for the kind of money the Dodgers are paying Ohtani, anything less than multiple championships during the duration of his contract would be a failed experiment.
Historic day in LA. pic.twitter.com/GfwSDg9gwN
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 15, 2023
The Dodgers were missing that added big bat in the lineup last season. They have it with Ohtani, who spent his first six seasons in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohatani won two American League MVP Awards with the Angels, including last season. During the 2023 season, Ohtani hit 44 homers and drove in 95 runs while hitting .304. The Dodgers could use some of that.
But what they could do without is not getting into the World Series and winning it all. The Dodgers last won the World Series during the pandemic-strike MLB season in 2020. But in the last three seasons, the Boys in Blue have won 100 games or more. That applies in four of their last five years.
In the last two years, the Dodgers lost in the League Division Series (LCS). In 2021, the Dodgers fell to the Atlanta Braves in the National League Championship Series (NLCS). The Dodgers are hoping and expecting that by bringing in Ohtani, the addition will help them get over this World Series hump.
“On behalf of the L.A. Dodgers and our fans everywhere, we welcome Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers, the home of Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax and Hideo Nomo, three of the sport’s most legendary and pathbreaking players. We congratulate him on his historic contract with our storied franchise,” said Mark Walter, chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Guggenheim Baseball.
“Shohei is a once-in-a-generation talent and one of the most exciting professional athletes in the world. Our players, staff, management and ownership look forward to working together with Shohei to help the Dodgers continue to add, improve and strive for excellence on the field. Together with Shohei, we will work to help grow the number and breadth of people around the world who enjoy the excitement of Major League Baseball.”
Besides being an extraordinary batsman, Ohtani is also an excellent pitcher. But don’t the two-way player to pitch in 2024. The great news for Southern California baseball fans is that Ohtani will still be playing in their backyard. He just moved down the road to put on a blue uniform now. And he’s happy about it.
“Dodger fans, thank you for welcoming me to your team,” said Ohtani. “I can say 100 percent that you, the Dodger organization and I share the same goal – to bring World Series parades to the streets of Los Angeles.”

Dennis has covered and written about politics, crime, race, sports, and entertainment. Dennis currently covers the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, and Olympic sports. Dennis is the editor of News4usonline.com and serves as the publisher of the Compton Bulletin newspaper. He earned a journalism degree from Howard University. Email Dennis at dfreeman@news4usonline.com
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