Shohei Ohtani, the sensational player for the Los Angeles Angels, officially bid farewell to his time with the team as he accepted his well-deserved 2023 American League MVP award on Saturday night. This came more than a month after signing a contract with the Dodgers and just three weeks ahead of reporting to spring training.

 

During the 99th New York Baseball Writers’ Dinner, Ohtani shared the stage with other Major League Baseball award winners, including NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Dressed in a stylish black dress shirt, dark blue velvet suit, and a bow tie, Ohtani sat alongside his regular interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, as he received the prestigious honor.

While actor Will Ferrell was initially set to present the award to Ohtani, he unfortunately had to withdraw due to a scheduling conflict. Instead, Ohtani received a warm welcome from Dusty Baker, the former star outfielder from the Dodgers who recently retired as the Houston Astros manager.

 

In a moment that showcased his growth and versatility, Ohtani delivered a speech entirely in English for two minutes. He expressed his gratitude to the Angels organization, including the ownership, front office, and staff, for their support over the past six years. He also thanked his teammates and coaching staff for their encouragement throughout the season.

Ohtani then turned his attention to the Dodgers, expressing his excitement for the next stage of his professional journey with the organization that had shown faith in him. The acquisition of Ohtani by the Dodgers marked a significant milestone, as he became the first player in MLB history to win consecutive MVP awards unanimously. His remarkable two-way season, combined with his success in guiding Japan to the World Baseball Classic, solidified his status as a true baseball hero.

 

As Ohtani embarks on this new chapter of his career, it is worth noting that he faced an injury setback in 2023, undergoing his second Tommy John surgery in September. While this is projected to keep him from pitching in 2024, the Dodgers still signed him to a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract, with a significant portion deferred. This move sets the stage for Ohtani to face off against teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman for future MVP honors and potentially make his postseason debut in the major leagues.

 

The acceptance of the AL MVP award marks the end of Ohtani’s time with the Angels, where he played alongside superstar Mike Trout for six seasons. Now, he embarks on a new chapter filled with high expectations and the continued support of fans worldwide.

As Ohtani’s journey unfolds with the Dodgers, baseball enthusiasts eagerly await his next feats and the impact he will make on the game.