"It's mayhem wherever we go because of Shohei Ohtani" - Freddie Freeman on how he feels about Japanese star attracting big crowds everywhere
It's safe to say that Shohei Ohtani is not only one of the most famous baseball players in the world but one of the most famous athletes in general. The two-time American League MVP has continued to see his celebrity status grow, especially after his high-profile move to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Almost immediately after it was announced that the Los Angeles Dodgers were signing the two-way superstar, murals of Shohei Ohtani we created across the city. Although famous athletes usually draw fans and, in some cases, crowds when they are out in public, Ohtani's impact on his fans and followers is even more intense.
On the latest episode of "New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce" released on Friday, World Series MVP Freddie Freeman explained the aura and crazy media circus that is present now with Ohtani in the Dodgers locker room.
"I've never seen so many cameras throughout the course of the year than I did this year. It was mayhem everywhere we went [42:07]," Freeman said of the Japanese media presence around the Dodgers this season.
Given the global reach that Ohtani has, it's not surprising that Freddie Freeman and the rest of the Los Angeles Dodgers were not prepared for all the eyes and cameras on them at all times.
"Shohei is such a global superstar and everywhere we went, every city, they want to see him, rightfully so... He's just incredible [43:01]," Freeman continued on Ohtani's ability to draw out the crowds.
It will be interesting to see if this media frenzy will continue to grow now that Shohei Ohtani is a World Series champion, as well as likely becoming the first designated hitter to win the MVP Award in MLB history.
Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers will return to Japan in March
The Los Angeles Dodgers, and perhaps more importantly, Shohei Ohtani will return to Japan this upcoming spring to take part in the MLB's Tokyo Series. On March 18 and 19, the Dodgers will make their way back to the Tokyo Dome, this time facing the Chicago Cubs in a two-game series.
Although Ohtani returning to Japan will be a major moment for fans in his home country, those in attendance will also get to witness some of the best Japanese baseball players in the world competing. Yoshinobu Yamamoto will be present with Ohtani for the Dodgers, while Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki will be representing the Chicago Cubs. It will be an epic moment for Japanese baseball.