Dodgers Fans Go Wild at First Glimpse of Shohei Ohtani in Uniform at Stadium

Los Angeles Dodgers fans got their first glimpse of two-way star and offseason grand prize Shohei Ohtani in his new team’s jersey at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. 

Ohtani was one of 27 Los Angeles players, along with mainstays Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, as well as fellow newcomer Tyler Glasnow, to attend a sold-out DodgerFest fan event. 

Dodgers fans brought the energy, too.

As Ohtani, flanked by several security officials, walked up steps at Dodger Stadium, fans cheered as if he had just hit a home run in the World Series. 

Check out the cool moment below. 

Year 1 of Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium is going to incredible ????????????

????: shoheisaveus, sportsgalleryusa pic.twitter.com/pIcORnL2wI

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) February 5, 2024

If this reaction from Dodgers fans feels like it was a long time coming, there’s a reason why. 

After months and months of rumors and a headline-filled free agency period, the Dodgers inked Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract, the largest ever in pro sports. 

Los Angeles fans are clearly ready for him. And it appears that Ohtani, who is rehabbing from elbow surgery, is ready for them as well, as he expressed confidence that he’ll be available for the team’s first game of the season as a batter. 

The Dodgers will open the 2024 campaign in South Korea against the San Diego Padres on March 20.