Dodgers Used Kobe Bryant Recruitment Video To Influence Shohei Ohtani

It turns out that Kobe Bryant made one of the most persuasive sales arguments to Shohei Ohtani on behalf of the Los Angeles Dodgers. As to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Dodgers utilized a video message that Bryant had filmed in 2017 to encourage Ohtani to sign a contract with the team.

Dodgers Used Kobe Bryant Recruitment Video To Influence Shohei Ohtani

Ohtani told ESPN, “That was one of the highlights of the whole meeting.” “I was really surprised to see it. It was a strong and touching message.”

Bryant taped the message in 2017 as a courtesy to the Dodgers. Now, more than three years after his passing, Ohtani has benefited greatly from Bryant’s endorsement of the Dodgers.

The whole baseball community, including Los Angeles, raced to sign the two-way phenom Ohtani to his first Major League Baseball contract back in 2017. Because of this, the Dodgers requested Kobe Bryant to film a one-minute clip that they intended to use in their proposal to acquire Ohtani. Bryant endorsed Los Angeles as a city that produces champions.

Looks like the message made it, according to ESPN:

“When Bryant said Ohtani’s name, it took him aback. They never met, but Ohtani marveled at his commitment, to his craft, to his sport, to his team. Mizuhara, who is as much consigliere to Ohtani as the conduit for his words, grew up in Los Angeles and understood what it meant for Bryant to vouch for the Dodgers. A minute of his time, of the presence he still casts, felt like a wonderful eternity.”

Ohtani formally inked a $700 million, ten-year contract with the Dodgers on Monday. Although it is structured a little differently than others, that contract is now the biggest in the history of professional sports. His annual compensation of $70 million will be paid out between 2034 and 2043, with $68 million being withheld until the arrangement is finalized.

In September, he underwent elbow surgery on his right elbow, so he  won’t be pitching for the Dodgers until the 2025 season. During the 2023 campaign, Ohtani posted a 10-5 record and a 3.14 ERA, while blasting 44 home runs and knocking in 95 runs at the plate.

With the Dodgers, he is already returning the favor following the winning pitch. He supposedly assisted in persuading trade acquisition Tyler Glasnow to sign a five-year, $135 million agreement. He was apparently there at Los Angeles’ presentation for free-agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who also happens to be his teammate on Team Japan.

“It was important to Shohei that this wasn’t the one group we were going to make,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said Thursday at Ohtani’s introduction. “I think anyone who’s watched us operate over the years, we’re trying to add really good players at every turn.”

Has Ohtani won a World Series?

The Dodgers have triumphed in the World Series in 2020, finished above 100 wins in five of the last six complete seasons, and won the National League West in ten of the previous eleven seasons. In his major league career, he has never participated in a postseason game.

What is shohei ohtani net worth?

What is the net worth of Shohei? his projected net worth is $20 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

Does shohei ohtani speak fluent English?

Although Ohtani can communicate in some English, he would rather leave it to Mizuhara. It has generated some controversy in the past several years, to the point where a prominent ESPN expert chastised him for it.

What is Shohei Ohtani known for?

A two-time American League MVP, a machine that hits home runs and pitches well, Shohei Ohtani may soon become a Toronto Blue Jay.

Who is Shohei Ohtani sponsored by?

He has contracts with other Japanese businesses in addition to New Balance, Fanatics, and Topps. In addition to the $30 million salary the Angels gave him, that additional $40 million. Ohtani’s Dodgers endorsements will only increase in number and value.

 

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