TOKYO (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was reminded during a visit to Tokyo that Shohei Ohtani had promised him a Porsche if the Dodgers won the World Series against the New York Yankees. Ohtani had previously gifted teammate Joe Kelly a Porsche for giving up his jersey number to Ohtani when he joined the Dodgers from the Angels. Roberts received a toy Porsche from Ohtani, with a hint that the real car might still be coming.
Roberts jokingly asked Ohtani about the promised Porsche after the World Series win, to which Ohtani replied, “If we win the World Series, maybe we'll talk about it.” Roberts expressed readiness to discuss the matter, albeit in jest, stating, “I don’t know. Good question.”
Roberts also commented on Ohtani's potential for improvement at the plate, despite his three MVP awards. He suggested that Ohtani could benefit from being more disciplined in his approach to hitting, which could make him even better.
Regarding the upcoming MLB season opener between the Dodgers and Cubs at the Tokyo Dome on March 18-19, Roberts ruled out Ohtani pitching in that series due to his extended absence from pitching. He emphasized the need to manage Ohtani's innings carefully for the 2025 season to ensure his longevity.
Roberts, who has a personal connection to Japan as he was born in Okinawa to a Japanese mother and American father, shared insights into his upbringing in a military family. He highlighted how his frequent relocations taught him to adapt to different cultures, which has helped him relate to people from diverse backgrounds in his career.
Roberts also discussed his involvement in a TV commercial for a Japanese sponsor, emphasizing the importance of treating others well to help them reach their potential. He touched on his interest in mental health advocacy, noting the cultural differences in expressing emotions and his participation in initiatives promoting mental health awareness in the Asian American community.
Overall, Roberts' visit to Tokyo provided a platform for reflecting on his personal background, professional endeavors, and advocacy efforts, showcasing a multifaceted approach to his role as a baseball manager and community advocate.
