Current:Home > ScamsShohei Ohtani gifts manager Dave Roberts toy Porsche before breaking his home run record -Capitatum
Shohei Ohtani gifts manager Dave Roberts toy Porsche before breaking his home run record
View
Date:2025-04-16 17:25:14
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! (7)
Related
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- King of walks: 25-year-old Juan Soto breaks Mickey Mantle record
- Angie Harmon sues Instacart, delivery driver who allegedly shot dog Oliver
- Kathleen Hanna on Kurt Cobain friendship, Courtney Love sucker punch, Bikini Kill legacy
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Slovak politicians call for calming of political tensions after shooting of prime minister
- Who is playing in NFL Monday Night Football? Here's the complete 2024 MNF schedule
- Jets to play six prime-time games in first 11 weeks of 2024 NFL schedule
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Rob McElhenney Shares Why He Believes Friend Ryan Reynolds Isn't Human
Ranking
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- Former St. Catherine University dean of nursing, lover accused of embezzling over $400K
- Sen. Bob Menendez put his power up for sale, prosecutor argues in bribery trial
- Why Selena Gomez Felt Freedom After Sharing Her Mental Health Struggles
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- 2 officers killed, inmate escapes in attack on prison van in France
- 2024 NFL Team Schedules
- White House blocks release of Biden’s special counsel interview audio, says GOP is being political
Recommendation
Behind on your annual reading goal? Books under 200 pages to read before 2024 ends
Aldi recalls cream cheese spreads sold in 28 states due to possible salmonella contamination
Sen. Bob Menendez put his power up for sale, prosecutor argues in bribery trial
Summer of 2023 was the hottest in 2,000 years in some parts of the world, researchers say
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
New Jersey quintuplets celebrate their graduation from same college
House signs off on FAA bill that addresses aircraft safety and and refund rights of passengers
Save 50% on Aerie Swimwear, 30% on Lancôme, 71% on Tarte Cosmetics, 30% on IT Cosmetics & More Discounts