Shohei Ohtani Homers in Dodgers Spring Training Debut as MLB Fans Predict Huge Season
Doric SamFebruary 27, 2024
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
It didn’t take long for Shohei Ohtani to show his new team what he could do.
During his spring training debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, Ohtani launched a two-run home run in the fifth inning that excited the fans in attendance:
MLB @MLBShohei Ohtani homers in his @Dodgers #SpringTraining debut. đ„đ„ pic.twitter.com/o6vMUHKUR4
Ohtani’s first at-bat ended with a strikeout on three pitches, so the homer was a nice way to cap his day. He grounded into a double play in the third inning that produced the Dodgers’ first run of the game when Jose Ramos crossed home plate.
The home run by Ohtani impressed fans on social media, many of whom believe it indicates that the two-time American League MVP is in for a huge season with the Dodgers:
br_betting @br_bettingSHOHEI OHTANI HOME RUN IN SPRING TRAINING DEBUT đ„
He’s +650 to win NL MVP @DKSportsbook
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/YExN79ccUj
sky @GonsolinRBWShohei Ohtani, the most talented baseball player of all-time, just hit a home run for the Los Angeles DODGERS.
Life is good. pic.twitter.com/QUioOTmynt
Tyler Milliken âŸïž @tylermilliken_OF COURSE SHOHEI OHTANI HOMERED IN HIS FIRST SPRING TRAINING GAME WITH THE DODGERS! pic.twitter.com/OqeYwjOSTG
Sarah Langs @SlangsOnSportsOf COURSE he did!!!!
Shohei!!!! https://t.co/Iww19YGHwe
Blake Harris @BlakeHHarrisSHOHEI OHTANI JUST HIT AN OPPO HOME RUN WE’RE SO BACK pic.twitter.com/zjytJpFBEp
Chuck Garfien @ChuckGarfienOhtani delights Dodgers fans (and estimated 40 million viewers in Japan) by hitting a 3-2 pitch over the left field fence for a 2-run homer off Dominic Leone.
Jack Harris @ByJackHarrisShohei Ohtani struck out and hit into a double play his first two times up
His third and final AB: A towering two-run home run to left
That’s def the loudest I’ve ever heard Camelback Ranch
Dan Clark @DanClarkSportsOf course Shohei Ohtani homers in his Dodgers debut. What a stud.
By landing Ohtani on a historic 10-year, $700 million deal this offseason, the Dodgers created a modern superteam. Los Angeles has a star-studded lineup that includes Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Max Muncy. In addition to signing Ohtani, the team signed coveted Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and completed a trade for starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow.
Ohtani won’t pitch until 2025 after undergoing elbow surgery, so he will be able to focus solely on hitting. After he launched 44 homers last season, he could produce even more fireworks at the plate during the upcoming campaign.
It will be fun to watch him continue his dominance with his new team.
