Current:Home > FinanceShohei Ohtani gifts manager Dave Roberts toy Porsche before breaking his home run record -VitalEdge Finance Pro
Shohei Ohtani gifts manager Dave Roberts toy Porsche before breaking his home run record
View
Date:2025-04-25 18:38:13
Shohei Ohtani has many more records to break over the course of his baseball career, but he may not have any more fun breaking one than he did Saturday night.
Ever since finding out that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is the team's all-time leader in homers by a Japanese-born player, Ohtani and his skipper have enjoyed a running joke as he approached Roberts' grand total of seven. (Roberts was born on a U.S. military base in Okinawa.)
After Ohtani passed Hideki Matsui on April 21 for the most homers in MLB history by a Japanese-born player with his 176th, he deadpanned that he now had his sights set on Roberts' record.
In their back-and-forth with reporters since then, Ohtani and Roberts were both asked about the possibility of the slugger giving his manager a gift to commemorate the historic occasion. Roberts suggested a new car might be appropriate.
Before Saturday's game against the Atlanta Braves − with the pair tied at seven homers apiece − Roberts got the car.
All things Dodgers: Latest Los Angeles Dodgers news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.
Later that evening, Ohtani got the record.
His solo shot in the bottom of the third inning off the Braves' Bryce Elder was his eighth of the season. And the torch was officially passed.
"He said he wanted a car," Ohtani said through translator Will Ireton. "I’m glad he’s happy. He got a car."
So what was the significance of the Porsche?
In this meticulously detailed timeline from MLB.com, we're reminded that when Ohtani signed with the Dodgers, reliever Joe Kelly had Ohtani's preferred jersey No. 17.
As a thank you gift for giving up his number, Kelly and his wife Ashley received a brand new Porsche courtesy of his new teammate.
So even though no one could blame Roberts for trying, he had to settle for a miniature version instead.
"I just want to say congratulations and thank you very much," Roberts said, the toy car in his hand after the game. "This is my car. The difference is Joe’s car doesn’t fit in my office. This car fits on my desk."
veryGood! (116)
Related
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- Turnover has plagued local election offices since 2020. One swing state county is trying to recover
- The FDA is proposing a ban on hair relaxers with formaldehyde due to cancer concerns
- Undefeated No. 3 Buckeyes and No. 7 Nittany Lions clash in toughest test yet for Big Ten East rivals
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- 'The Golden Bachelor' contestant Kathy has no regrets: 'Not everybody's going to love me'
- 6 dead in Russian rocket strike as Ukraine reports record bomb attack numbers
- This $7 Leave-In Conditioner Gives Me Better Results Than Luxury Haircare Brands
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Connecticut postmaster admits to defrauding USPS through cash bribes and credit card schemes
Ranking
- Tropical weather brings record rainfall. Experts share how to stay safe in floods.
- Venezuelan opposition holds presidential primary in exercise of democracy, but it could prove futile
- North Dakota lawmakers are preparing to fix a budget mess. What’s on their plate?
- Entertainment industry A-listers sign a letter to Biden urging a cease-fire in Gaza
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- A 5.2 magnitude earthquake in Nepal damages dozens of homes and causes a landslide
- Fisher-Price recalls over 20,000 'Thomas & Friends' toys due to choking hazard
- Elite gymnast Kara Eaker announces retirement, alleges abuse while training at Utah
Recommendation
From bitter rivals to Olympic teammates, how Lebron and Steph Curry became friends
Indonesia’s leading presidential hopeful picks Widodo’s son to run for VP in 2024 election
Jose Altuve’s home run gives Astros wild win as benches clear in ALCS Game 5 vs. Rangers
Woman returns from vacation, finds Atlanta home demolished
Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
New Netflix thriller tackling theme of justice in Nigeria is a global hit and a boon for Nollywood
Man searching carrot field finds ancient gold and bronze jewelry — and multiple teeth
Tanker truck carrying jet fuel strikes 2 cars on Pennsylvania Turnpike, killing 2, injuring 1