On Saturday, a day that had seemed inevitable for the majority of Shohei Ohtani’s last Los Angeles Angels season finally arrived.

After weeks of rumors, Ohtani declared he would sign a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That record $700 million deal, spread over ten years, ends an exciting but incredibly disappointing chapter in Anaheim’s history.

Between 2021 and 2023, Ohtani enjoyed three of the best seasons in baseball history, yet the Angels never finished a season with more than 75 wins. Ohtani will now travel to Chavez Ravine, up the road, to play for a team that has won at least 100 games in five of the previous six complete seasons.

The Angels supporters mourned on Saturday as a result of Ohtani’s choice. In honor of Ohtani’s six years in Anaheim, supporters gathered outside Angel Stadium while his mural, which was located outside the home plate entrance gate, was gradually removed.

And via Sam Blum of The Athletic, a few fans discussed what Ohtani’s exit means to them:

Barry Foster, an Orange local and devoted Angels supporter, stated, “I have so many memories coming out here watching him.” “I dislike exaggerating sports in my writing. But it seems like someone is simply walking away from you. It’s really difficult.

Another fan went into further detail about the intense feelings he experienced upon Ohtani’s departure from the Angels organization:

“Six years of excellence,” declared Cedillo. “I’ve always been an Angels supporter. As though a part of me has passed away.

“I wanted to show my appreciation.”

Cedillo remarked, “It’s sad to see it come down.” He was very important to this franchise. It’s a little franchise here. It sucks to watch a superstar like him go.

The impact Ohtani has had on Angels fans and the team over the previous six years is hard to overestimate. The Angels were consistently relevant and the site of historic performance after historic performance, even in the absence of on-field success.

Fans now need to discover a new cause for enthusiasm for their team, and considering the team’s poor performance despite having two of baseball’s greatest players on the roster, this quest might take longer than anticipated.

Thanking supporters for their support, Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani took a minute to thank the fans and the club for their consistent support over the previous six seasons in his announcement statement that he was leaving the Angels for the Dodgers.