The LA Dodgers' grand dream is coming to fruition.

Dodgers President Andrew Friedman signed a massive 10-year, $700 million contract with Shohei Ohtani in December 2023, stating, "Ohtani is the most talented player in baseball history. He has continued to prove and showcase his talent since joining Major League Baseball. The Dodgers have a long history with Japan, including Walter O'Malley, Hideo Nomo, Hiroki Kuroda, Kenta Maeda, and countless other players." He noted, "Our goal is to immerse Japanese baseball fans in Dodgers blue."

Ohtani made history during his one year with the Dodgers, achieving the unprecedented 50 home runs-50 steals feat and winning the third MVP award unanimously. The Dodgers also claimed the full-time season World Series championship after 36 years with Ohtani.

Moreover, the team reaped substantial sponsorship revenue from Japan that could cover Ohtani's $700 million contract. The "Ohtani effect" exceeded expectations. This included contributions from ace pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki, making the team one that Japanese fans could not help but love.

This year, the team is directly experiencing the impact of Ohtani and Japanese pitchers during the Tokyo Opening Series. North American sports media outlet The Athletic explained the "Ohtani effect," stating, "Ohtani's face and image are flooding advertisements throughout Japan. Ohtani's star power is overwhelmingly unmatched, and we are directly experiencing the results of what is referred to as the 'Ohtani economic effect.' Andrew Friedman, president of baseball operations, has reached the moment where his goal of 'immersing Japan in Dodgers blue' is becoming a reality."

Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts stated, "It seems our mission has been accomplished," confirming that the influence of the Dodgers is spreading throughout Japan. Tommy Edman noted, "There are so many people outside the hotel and dome. You can see Ohtani's face everywhere in Tokyo," adding, "As I walk down the street, I see people wearing Dodgers caps. It feels like the Dodgers are becoming Japan's team."

The opening series between the Dodgers and the Cubs sold out in less than a minute after ticket sales opened. Additionally, more than 10,000 fans attended the Dodgers' training session. The training viewing ticket price was 2,000 yen, but Japanese fans were unfazed.

"I’m ten times more excited than in Korea," said Freddie Freeman, adding, "Even though it's just practice, so many fans have come out." He mentioned that there was a cheering sound for his son Charlie, although he did not hear it directly, and remarked, "I'm sure Charlie was enjoying every moment."

Venezuelan infielder Miguel Rojas expressed confidence that the Dodgers have become a team the world is paying attention to. He emphasized, "The Dodgers are now trying to stand shoulder to shoulder with the biggest sports teams in the world," and believes the team is nearing the level of globally recognized clubs like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, stating that the Dodgers' visibility is comparable to that of these prestigious La Liga teams.

On the 15th, the Dodgers won 5-1 against the Yomiuri Giants in a practice game, thanks to Ohtani's two-run homer and a bullpen day with just one earned run. They will finalize their preparations in a practice game against the Hanshin Tigers on the 16th before facing the Chicago Cubs in the opening game on the 18th and 19th.

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