Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani wrote his name in the record books when he ended the 2024 regular season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, becoming the first player in MLB history to accomplish a 50-50 year.
He also made a little team history in the early stages of last year by becoming the Dodgers’ all-time home run leader among Japanese-born players with an eighth homer on May 4, 2024. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously held that title, hitting seven home runs over parts of three seasons during his playing career with the organization.
Ohtani later gifted his manager a Porsche to commemorate the occasion, a callback to the 30-year-old giving Joe Kelly’s wife, Ashley, a Porsche as a thanks for taking No. 17. In that instance it was a thank you gift as Kelly agreed to give up his No. 17 to Ohtani.
The only issue with Roberts’ gift was that Ohtani neglected to mention it was a toy car and not a real Porsche.
The joke has since carried over into 2025, with Ohtani making a second attempt to honor the occasion of breaking his manager’s previous record. He seems to have splurged a bit more on a slightly bigger car this time around, though it still might not exactly be street legal.
Shohei with another car prank on Doc.
pic.twitter.com/aCK3aeOAxs
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 16, 2025
The new gift might have set Ohtani back a lot more compared to the initial Porsche, but there is probably room in the budget for the man who is signed to a $700 million contract.
Enjoy your new car, Doc! pic.twitter.com/igDAwVWM1s
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) February 17, 2025
The Porsche was waiting for Roberts in his parking spot at Camelback Ranch, and all signs point to the Dodgers skipper being pleased with his new daily driver.
Dave Roberts’ speech before first full-squad workout
Like any other year, the Dodgers’ full-squad workout of Spring Training began with Roberts’ speech to the entire clubhouse. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Roberts chose to emphasize the mental approach and preparation he wants to see from his ballclub as they look to repeat as World Series champions.
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