Exactly one year to the day after Shohei Ohtani played his final game for the Los Angeles Angels, he was back in Anaheim with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Aside from Spring Training, Tuesday’s game was Ohtani’s first at Angel Stadium since signing a record-setting 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers during the offseason. He faced the Angels during the exhibition Freeway Series and also at Dodger Stadium earlier this year.
Some Angels fans — and droves of those who support the Dodgers — greeted Ohtani with loud cheers during lineup introductions and “MVP” chants when announced for his first at-bat.
The Angels also played an Ohtani tribute video that looked back on his introductory press conference with the team, winning two American League MVP Awards in unanimous fashion and more highlights.
Welcome back to Angel Stadium, Shohei! 🦄
おかえり、翔平! pic.twitter.com/9Eh0pHX8T0— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) September 4, 2024
Ohtani received more cheers throughout the game but also heard some boos when stepping up to the plate for his second at-bat. But those gave way to more “MVP” chants from Dodgers fans after Ohtani hit a game-tying RBI triple.
The 30-year-old spent six seasons with the Angels and potentially would have remained with the team if owner Arte Moreno agreed to match the Dodgers’ contract offer. He declined to do so, but the San Francisco Giants did even as their pursuit fell short to the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani has fond memories
Heading into this week’s Freeway Series game in Anaheim, Ohtani reflected fondly on his time playing home games at Angel Stadium.
Ohtani hit .274/.366/.556 with 129 doubles, 29 triples, 171 home runs and 437 RBI in 701 games as a member of the Angels. As a pitcher he went 38-19, with a 3.01 ERA and 1.08 WHIP across 86 starts.
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