Shohei Ohtani recently broke a Dodgers record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player, surpassing Dave Roberts’ mark of seven. Roberts jokingly asked Ohtani to gift him a Porsche when breaking the record, and Ohtani obliged by giving him a toy model Porsche before a game against the Atlanta Braves. Ohtani hit his eighth home run during the game, solidifying his place as the new record holder. Roberts humorously stated that Ohtani did technically buy him a car, even though it wasn’t the real deal.
In addition to gifting Roberts with a Porsche, Ohtani also gave a Porsche to Ashley Kelly, the wife of Dodgers player Joe Kelly. Kelly gave up his number 17 jersey when Ohtani signed with the team last December, and his wife had promised Ohtani that he could have the number and all the associated gear. This kind gesture from Ohtani showcases his appreciation for the sacrifices made by those around him and his willingness to show gratitude in unique ways.
Born in Naha, Okinawa, Japan to a Japanese mother and American father, Dave Roberts previously held the record for most home runs by a Japanese-born player on the Dodgers. Roberts hit seven home runs for the team between 2002-2004 before being surpassed by Ohtani’s impressive eighth home run. Ohtani’s accomplishment is even more impressive considering his significant career total of 179 home runs in the majors, surpassing Hideki Matsui’s record earlier this month.
Ohtani’s success as a player is not only reflected in his impressive home run totals, but also in his reputation for generosity and thoughtfulness towards his teammates and coaches. By gifting customized Porsches to Roberts and Kelly, Ohtani showcased his gratitude and appreciation for those who have supported him throughout his career. These gestures highlight Ohtani’s humble and caring demeanor off the field, in addition to his remarkable talent as a player on the field.
The playful banter between Roberts and Ohtani regarding the Porsche gift further showcases the camaraderie and camaraderie among players and coaches in the baseball world. While Roberts may have been joking when he asked for a Porsche, Ohtani took the request seriously and found a creative way to fulfill it. This lighthearted exchange adds a fun and humorous element to the competitive world of professional baseball, demonstrating that sports can be about more than just winning games.
Overall, Ohtani’s record-breaking achievement, along with his thoughtful gestures towards his teammates, highlight his talent as a player and his character as a person. By surpassing long-standing records and showing appreciation for those who have supported him, Ohtani has solidified his status as a standout player both on and off the field. His combination of skill, sportsmanship, and generosity make him a beloved figure in the world of baseball, with fans and teammates alike celebrating his accomplishments and kind gestures.
