Ohtani's Vow To Dodgers Exec: What He Said

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Post on Nov 01, 2024

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Ohtani's Vow to Dodgers Exec: What He Said

Remember that time Shohei Ohtani nearly became a Dodger? It's a tale that still makes Angels fans cringe, but it's a story that keeps getting told. Turns out, Ohtani had a very clear message for the Dodgers exec who came calling.

A Shocking Revelation

Back in 2017, the baseball world was buzzing with excitement. The "Japanese Babe Ruth" was heading to the MLB, and every team was vying for his services. The Dodgers, with their deep pockets and championship pedigree, were considered front-runners. But Ohtani had a surprise up his sleeve.

According to a recent revelation from a high-ranking Dodgers official, Ohtani had a vow he shared with the team's exec during their meeting. It was a vow that ultimately shaped the course of his career.

The Vow: "I want to be a two-way player."

It seems obvious now, but at the time, it was a risky move. Very few players had attempted to be both a starting pitcher and a hitter in the MLB. But Ohtani was determined to prove he could pull it off.

The Dodgers' Response: "We don't have a plan for that."

The Dodgers exec was reportedly taken aback by Ohtani's vow. They hadn't planned for a player to play both ways. The Dodgers' focus was on maximizing their chances of winning, and they felt Ohtani's unique talent wouldn't fit their traditional model.

Ohtani's Choice: "I'm going to the Angels."

Ohtani, undeterred, chose the team that was willing to embrace his vision. The Angels, led by their GM Billy Eppler, saw the potential in Ohtani's unique skillset. They gave him the freedom to be the two-way player he wanted to be.

The Aftermath: Ohtani's legacy

The rest, as they say, is history. Ohtani has become a global superstar, rewriting the rules of baseball. He's shattered records and wowed fans with his pitching and hitting prowess. He's even earned an MVP award, becoming the first player to win the prestigious award since 1918.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have continued to dominate, but they've never had a player quite like Ohtani. It's a missed opportunity that still haunts the team, especially now that Ohtani's star is shining brighter than ever.

The Lesson: It's not always about finding the best team, it's about finding the best fit.

Ohtani's journey teaches us a valuable lesson. It's not enough to have talent; you need to find the right environment where your talent can flourish. Ohtani's vow to the Dodgers was a clear signal that he wasn't going to settle for anything less than his full potential. And he was right to stick to his guns.

So, the next time you hear someone say "Ohtani could have been a Dodger," remember this story. It's a story about a player who took a chance, believed in himself, and changed the game forever.