Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and Los Angeles Dodgers as a whole were among the 2023 L.A. Sports Awards winners earlier this year, during the 19th annual event that celebrates the industry’s top athletes, coaches, teams and executives.
“We are proud to celebrate the incredible achievements of our city’s top athletes, teams, coaches, and executives at this year’s LA Sports Awards,” said Matt Cacciato, president and CEO of the L.A. Sports Council.
“As we reflect on 2023, we are reminded of the power of sports to unite, inspire, and bring joy to our city. On behalf of the LA Sports Council, thank you to all who dedicate their time, talent, passion, and leadership to make Los Angeles the greatest sports city in the world.”
Ohtani won the Sportsperson of the Year Award in recognition of his final season with the Los Angeles Angels. Ohtani hit .304/.412/.654 with 26 doubles, eight triples, 44 home runs and 95 RBI over 135 games.
Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to twice win an MVP Award in unanimous fashion. He then proceeded to sign a record-setting contract with the Dodgers that included a staggering $680 million in deferred salary.
That was part of a blockbuster offseason for the Dodgers that also saw them sign Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a record-breaking contract, and trade for Tyler Glasnow, who agreed to an extension as part of the deal.
Friedman was named the Executive of the Year.
USC women’s basketball star Juju Watkins, who recently threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium, also was voted Sportsperson of the Year.
The Dodgers as a team ranked among the best sports moments of 2023 for the signings of Ohtani and Yamamoto. Freddie Freeman also made the top-10 list in recognition of breaking Dodgers records for doubles, runs scored and extra-base hits last season.
The 2023 L.A. Sports Awards show benefitted the L.A. Sports Council’s “Ready, Set Gold!” community program that encourages children to live healthy and active lives.
List of top 2023 L.A. Sports Moments
1 (tie). LeBron James passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become NBA’s all-time leading scorer
1 (tie). El Segundo Little League 12U All-Stars win Little League World Series
3. Dodgers sign Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to record contracts
4. SoFi Stadium hosts its first College Football Playoff National Championship Game
5. LAFC reaches MLS Cup Final
6. Shohei Ohtani wins his second career American League MVP Award
7. Lakers win Inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament
8. Los Angeles Kings retire Dustin Brown’s No. 23 jersey
9. Freddie Freeman sets Dodgers records for doubles, runs scored and extra-base hits
10. Clippers trade for James Harden
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
