Shohei Ohtani celebrated a career-defining moment on Wednesday night as he won his first World Series title, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers secure a dramatic 7-6 victory over the New York Yankees. The win came in Game 5 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., where the Dodgers made history by overcoming a daunting 5-0 deficit to clinch the championship.
As the champagne flowed and the Dodgers rejoiced, Ohtani was already setting his sights on the future.
After the game, Ohtani had an inspiring message for Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman. “Let’s do this nine more times,” Ohtani said, showing his determination to turn this victory into the start of a dynasty. Friedman couldn’t help but chuckle at Ohtani’s enthusiasm, replying, “He gets one in his first year so he thinks this is easy.” But Ohtani’s words were more than just a joke—they were a testament to his unwavering drive for excellence.
Ohtani joined the Dodgers last winter, signing a massive 10-year, $700 million contract, a deal that cemented him as the centerpiece of the Dodgers’ future. The contract was structured with deferred payments, allowing the Dodgers the financial flexibility to build competitive rosters around their two-way superstar.
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And Ohtani, true to his reputation, delivered instantly, helping lead the Dodgers to a World Series championship in his very first year with the team. It’s a remarkable turnaround for Ohtani, who spent six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels without ever experiencing a winning season or a playoff appearance. Now, at 30 years old, he’s a World Series champion, and he’s hungry for more.
The Dodgers’ improbable comeback in Game 5 was emblematic of their resilience throughout the season. Down 5-0 in the fifth inning, they battled back to ultimately take a 7-6 lead, holding off the Yankees to win the championship.
It was a fitting ending for a team that won 98 games during the regular season and fought through adversity to claim baseball’s ultimate prize. Ohtani was instrumental throughout the postseason, showcasing his ability to deliver at the plate when it mattered most.
Fans have every reason to be excited about Ohtani’s commitment to winning in Los Angeles. His desire to “do this nine more times” reflects his ambition to turn the Dodgers into a dynasty, and his impact on the team has already been profound. After years of frustration with the Angels, Ohtani now finds himself in a position to contend for a title every year, and he’s clearly relishing the opportunity.
With the Dodgers expected to be aggressive once again in free agency, they’re poised to build around Ohtani and ensure that this championship is just the beginning.
While it might be optimistic to expect nine more titles, there’s no doubt that Ohtani and the Dodgers will be in the hunt for years to come.
For Ohtani, who had never even made the playoffs before this year, winning a World Series in his first season with the Dodgers is a dream come true—but he’s made it clear that it’s just the first chapter of what he hopes will be a legendary story in Los Angeles.
