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Shohei Ohtani's first season with the Dodgers ended in dreamlike fashion, as he helped the team capture the World Series title.
After bringing Ohtani on board last winter, Dodgers chairman Mark Walter reflected on the team's inconsistent postseason track record, hoping Ohtani could bring them a new era of success.
Ohtani's determination to build a legacy was evident. Teasing Dodgers executive Andrew Friedman during the celebration, he said, "Nine more to go," hinting at his hopes of future championships during his nine-season contract.
Clear ambitions
It might've been playful, but considering Ohtani's achievements in seven years of MLB, it's clear his ambitions are serious.
"In his first year, he won a championship and thought, 'This is easy. We're just gonna do it again nine more times!" It's incredible to see that kind of enthusiasm; with a talent like Ohtani, who knows?" Friedman said.
"I think there's a legitimate argument that he's the greatest player to ever play the game," Friedman said. "So obviously all this does is help further that."
His impact goes beyond the field, with a massive fan following in Japan that has brought international attention to this Dodgers win.
MLB granted nearly 180 press es to Japanese media, while Game 2 saw close to 16 million Japanese viewers, a testament to Ohtani's reach and influence.
Across the Pacific in Tokyo, fans gathered in Ginza to grab commemorative newspaper editions celebrating Ohtani's achievement.
With the World Series title now secured, Ohtani's victory is celebrated in Los Angeles and Tokyo alike, as fans share in this milestone for a player who has become a global icon.
"We were able to get through the regular season, I think, because of the strength of this team, this organization," Ohtani said. "And the success of the postseason is very similar to how we were able to pull it off during the regular season.
"Again, the strength of the organization. Extremely honored to be a part of this."