No cap coming from former left fielder, Barry Bonds, to the next-gen superstar. On January 28, he expressed on the Foul Territory that he does not want anything to change for Shohei Ohtani, given that he has been doing so well as a pitcher. Winning the World Series Championship and the National League MVP Award, the Dodgers’ DH had a marvelous 2024.
1998 was the last season when someone came closest to him with 42 homers – Alex Rodriguez. Now, that’s broken by Shohei Ohtani, hitting 54 homers and 59 stolen bases, becoming an MLB legend after he spectacularly crossed the 50-50 threshold. But is it just his game that makes Ohtani, the Ohtani! We cannot unsee his kindness, especially during today’s chaotic wildfire, affecting LA terribly. And amidst all these, the Bonds’ advice seems to fit perfectly.
Barry Bonds has something for Shohei Ohtani
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Barry Bonds, the home run king, has been a legend in Major League Baseball. 762 home runs in his entire career and 73 home runs in a single year (2001) – he can see when another legend is in the making. “I think he’s got to stay with what he does the best. I think what he does is what he brings to the team right now. Why change something that’s going great?” Barry Bonds shared his beliefs about Shohei Ohtani referring to his pitching skills on the Foul Territory podcast.
What did he specifically mean by that? Well, Shohei Ohtani’s triple-digit throwing speed can be the first thing. Besides that, Bonds made another suggestion for Shohei to come as a reliever. He shared how Ohtani is quite strong in his position and has been a great slider as well. Clearly, he wants the LA star to maintain his performance and hence, did not forget to advise him to stay consistent with what he does the best.
However, there is a concern. Ohtani has never pitched in the relief outside the World Baseball Classic. So now, after his elbow surgery, the Los Angeles Dodgers will unlikely test the two-way sensation in any other role outside pitching in 2025. But that’s something that we can see only after the season begins. As of now, Ohtani is spending quality time with his family, spreading benevolence to Los Angeles City.
The Dodgers and their superstar come forward to help in the wildfire relief efforts
Since January 7, the Los Angeles wildfire has destroyed 6837 homes, burning over 23,448 acres of land, and even taken 29 lives. The heartbreaking condition made Shohei Ohtani come forward to aid the victims. Not just that, he even dedicated his 2024 National League MVP Award to the entire city and thanked “all of the fire departments for their heroic efforts to combat these fires in Los Angeles,” wishing for everyone to “Stay strong and united. We will get through this.” Coming from the star himself, it would definitely boost morale, don’t you think?
There’s more…
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Shohei Ohtani donated $500,000 to back up the department’s efforts in managing the affected regions and people. Ohtani’s pledge to partner with other professional sports organizations also shows his commitment to the social cause to raise funds for the relief efforts. The Dodgers have collaborated with different sports teams (Angel City FC, Angels, Clippers, Lakers, UCLA, the Los Angeles Golf Club, and many others) and Fanatics to create the line of “LA Strong” merchandise. 100% of this campaign’s profit is reported to be donated to the American Red Cross and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.
Beyond that, specifically for the Eaton and Palisades fire, the “Dodgers Love L.A. Community Tour” is scheduled to visit the affected areas, spreading love and service from former and current players. Who knows, Shohei Ohtani might also be seen there!
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How impactful do you feel Ohtani’s presence can be? Let’s hear it from the fans!