Blake Snell was just out shopping. Then, he looked up—and there was Shohei Ohtani. Not in person, but on a massive Tokyo billboard. Then there was this classic joke, “I know him.“ It was like the $182M new recruit had just spotted an old friend. For the Cy Young Award winner, it was also a glimpse into just how massive Ohtani is in Japan.
Shohei Ohtani’s image is everywhere. From high-end fashion campaigns to subway stations, he dominates Tokyo’s advertising world.
But don’t think that Shohei Ohtani’s effect is just confined to Japan. The Ohtani fever is reshaping baseball’s worldwide landscape. The MVP’s move to the Dodgers has turned the team into a global brand. His sponsorship deals are flooding in and jersey sales have skyrocketed. In 2023 alone, he raked in over $50 million from endorsements. His availability has drawn record-breaking TV ratings in Japan, where 63.9% of fans named Ohtani their favorite athlete.
And after joining the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani’s merchandise sales in Japan reached 2,000 percent. Indeed, an unmatched marketability!
The Dodgers are capitalizing on Shohei Ohtani’s stardom in ways that extend far beyond the field. His arrival has attracted high-profile sponsorships. Organizations are scrambling for advertising space at Dodger Stadium and at away games, as Ohtani’s presence ensures viewership. Reports highlight that the generational talent’s annual impact on the team could reach nine figures.
Yeah! His record-breaking contract looks like a strategic investment now, isn’t it?
Spring training games featuring Shohei Ohtani have seen an influx of Japanese media. Every Dodgers game is now broadcast live in Nippon and the team has embraced its enhancing worldwide fanbase with targeted marketing approaches.
In such a scenario, Snell’s encounter with Shohei Ohtani’s billboard was just a small reminder that the Dodgers’ biggest talent is more than an elite athlete—he is a cultural phenom.
The unexpected link between Shohei Ohtani and Snell
Beyond baseball, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani’s bond is about shared experiences and lighthearted moments.
During the Tokyo Series warm-up, the two took part in a fun challenge and tested their chopstick skills. The video of Blake Snell trying to master the technique with Ohtani’s effortless precision quickly went viral. Filled with laughter, this friendly competition showed the chemistry between them – just two teammates enjoying the ride.
However, beyond his comic sense, Blake Snell is also a dominant pitcher. His personality and his capability are what truly sets him apart. If there was any doubt about that, Clayton Kershaw put it to rest.
“As a left-handed pitcher, you always look around the league and see left-handed pitchers that you like, watching,” the Dodgers legend said. “Blake is definitely my favorite in the league right now. The way he can throw a baseball is special. It is just pretty, the way it comes out of his hand.”
Is there a bigger compliment than being your favorite left-hander’s favorite left-hander?
Blake could be a walking reel of humor, however, his performance on the field is no joke. And with the help of stars, like, Ohtani and Kershaw, his effect on the team is already shaping up to be special.
And Blake Snell’s hilarious reaction to Ohtani’s reach only made fans appreciate the 2 talents more. So, as the season comes, one thing is certain, whether on the field or off, they are must-watch personalities.
Do you have a favorite moment of these two stars? Let’s share, shall we?
The post Shohei Ohtani’s Japanese Fanbase Leaves $182M Teammate Starstruck as He Proudly Flaunts Their Bond appeared first on EssentiallySports.