Image courtesy: X(UCLA Baseball)
More than a month after the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series title against the New York Yankees, a lighthearted question still lingers: does Shohei Ohtani owe his manager Dave Roberts a Porsche? The question has sparked curiosity and amusement, as Roberts cheekily reminded reporters of Ohtani’s playful promise.
A Porsche for a Promise
The backstory began earlier in the season when Ohtani gifted teammate Joe Kelly a brand-new Porsche for giving up the No. 17 jersey, the number synonymous with Ohtani’s career. Roberts later joked with Ohtani about receiving the same luxurious treatment if the Dodgers won the World Series.
According to Roberts, Ohtani replied with a mischievous smile: “If we win the World Series, maybe we’ll talk about it.”
The Dodgers did just that, defeating the Yankees and securing the championship, yet Roberts’ garage remains Porsche-less. During a press event in Tokyo, Roberts playfully raised the question: “Where’s my real car?”
While the exchange was made in jest, it highlights the camaraderie between Ohtani and his manager, showcasing the lighter side of a team that delivered on the field.
Ohtani’s Continued Evolution
Despite his monumental success, including three MVP awards, Roberts believes Ohtani has room for improvement. “There were parts of his season where he was a little too aggressive swinging,” Roberts said. “I think there’s still room for him to be a little more disciplined at the plate. We can make him potentially even better.”
The Dodgers are also carefully managing Ohtani’s return to pitching in 2025 after he spent 2024 solely as a designated hitter. Roberts confirmed Ohtani will not pitch in the Dodgers’ season opener against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome in March.
“He hasn’t pitched in over a year,” Roberts explained. “We have to manage how many innings he has for 2025. If we start him in March, he won’t be able to sustain that through October.”
Roberts emphasized the importance of collaboration with Ohtani and team trainers to ensure his dual-role performance is sustainable. “It’s going to be honest conversations about how he’s feeling,” Roberts said.
Roots and Resilience
During his Tokyo visit, Roberts reflected on his multicultural upbringing in Okinawa, Japan, where his mother was from, and his life as the son of a U.S. military officer.
Raised in a military family, Roberts moved frequently, an experience he credited with teaching him how to connect with people from different backgrounds. “Being a young kid and moving every three years to another state or country forced me to adapt,” he said. “I do believe that helped me relate and get along with anybody.”
Roberts also shared personal anecdotes about his mother’s influence and his father’s passing, revealing how these experiences shaped his perspective and values.
Championing Mental Health
Another focus of Roberts’ Tokyo visit was mental health awareness. He discussed his work with Changing Tides, a Los Angeles-based organization promoting mental health in the Asian American community.
“Emotions in the Japanese culture I grew up in weren’t always shared,” Roberts said. “Everything was always supposed to be okay. We didn’t talk about how we truly felt.”
His passion for mental health aligns with the message of a Japanese TV spot he recently filmed, emphasizing the importance of supporting others to help them reach their potential.
Lighthearted Promises and Serious Impact
While the question of a Porsche may remain unresolved, the playful interaction between Ohtani and Roberts underscores the camaraderie that helped propel the Dodgers to their World Series victory. As Roberts continues to balance his managerial role with broader advocacy, his leadership on and off the field remains a source of inspiration.
Whether a real Porsche ever materializes or not, the bond between Ohtani and Roberts highlights the human connections that make baseball more than just a game.
