Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani announced his decision to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it has sent a shockwave across the baseball world, but Hollywood’s biggest stars are pumped he is making the move to Tinsel Town!
Shohei Ohtani Has Signed With The Los Angeles Dodgers
The dual-threat stunned baseball fans when he revealed that he had finally decided to sign with the Dodgers. According to a press release by his agent, Nez Balelo, the 29-year-old signed a 10-year deal worth $700 million.
Ohtani was the biggest name on the market in 2023 and was undoubtedly expected to receive a record-breaking contract from whatever team he had chosen. On his Instagram page, he apologized for taking so long to make up his mind about the team he would call home for the next baseball season.
The athlete wrote, “To all the fans and everyone involved in the baseball world, I apologize for taking so long to come to a decision. I have decided to choose the Dodgers as my next team.”
Ohtani continued by thanking his fans and everyone involved with the Angels organization for supporting him in the last six years: “First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone involved with the Angels organization and the fans who have supported me over the past six years, as well as to everyone involved with each team that was part of this negotiation process.”
He noted that the support and cheers of the Angels fans “through all the ups and downs” meant the world to him, adding that “the six years I spent with the Angels will remain etched in my heart forever.”
Of course, fans and celebrities are letting their voices be heard on the huge news, including “Jacka–” star Johnny Knoxville who simply wrote, “Wahoo!!”
Former baseball player, Alex Rodriquez, showed his support by commenting, “Congratulations,” with several fire emojis.
WWE star Cassie Lee (formerly known as Peyton Royce) posted multiple emojis, including a prayer emoji and an embrace emoji, to express her joy at the news.
Ohtani also received some support from the local team, L.A. Galaxy, who commented, “LETS GOOOOOO.”
We’re told people around Hollywood are fired up to see the best player in the world play on a weekly basis. As you know, Dodger Stadium is a great place to see some of the biggest stars on any given home game.
Shohei Ohtani Vows To Put His Best Foot Forward For The Dodgers
Still, in his lengthy statement, Ohtani assured his new team, the Dodgers, that he would do his best to support them and be a team player.
“And to all Dodgers fans, I pledge to always do what’s best for the team and always continue to give it my all to be the best version of myself. Until the last day of my playing career, I want to continue to strive forward not only for the Dodgers but for the baseball world,” Ohtani wrote on social media.
He then concluded by noting that he had a lot more to say but would do so at a later date.
The baseball player said, “There are some things that cannot be conveyed in writing, so I would like to talk more about this again at a later press conference,” adding, “Thank you very much.”
Fans React To The Baseball Player’s Historic Deal
As expected, Ohtani’s decision has sent baseball fans into a frenzy and sent shockwaves through the world of baseball. Several fans reacted to his revelation, with many ecstatic about him joining the L.A. Dodgers.
One fan said, “Congrats and welcome to blue heaven … once a Dodger always a Dodger … amazing day to be a Dodger fan.” Another wrote, “Welcome to the Dodgers, the real Los Angeles team!”
A third excited fan commented in all caps, “WE WILL APPRECIATE EVERY SINGLE MOVE YOU DO AS A DODGER WELCOME TO ACTUAL LA BABY!!!”
Amid the praises and chants of joy, others were not so happy about Ohtani’s decision, with some claiming the mouth-watering deal swayed him.
One person said, “Brutal decision. Sold out for the money. Could have had a whole country behind you. Shame.”
“Currently burning my Blue Jays Ohtani jersey I personally made with duct tape and rhinestone,” another disheartened fan commented.
A third claimed that the athlete would lose public support, writing, “You’re gonna go from the most loved to the most hated!!”