Shohei Ohtani was concerned because Dave Roberts presented him with a miniature Porsche car.
Article:
Shohei Ohtani's Playful Prank: A Dodgers Tale
In March 2024, Shohei Ohtani found himself tangled in a federal investigation involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and illegal sports gambling activities. However, Ohtani was swiftly exonerated as Mizuhara was the one charged and convicted in federal court, with stealing $17 million from the Dodgers superstar to repay an Orange County bookmaker[1].
Fast forward to 2023, during a home game against the New York Mets, Ohtani found himself summoned by manager Dave Roberts, leaving him momentarily concerned. His worries were soon dashed when he entered the office to find a pink remote-controlled toy car on the floor, followed by Roberts' announcement that it was a gift for his daughter[2].
Ohtani laughed it off, acknowledging his appreciation. It turned out this was a continuation of a running joke between Ohtani and Roberts since the slugger had gifted the manager a toy Porsche as a practical joke after breaking Roberts' franchise record[2]. Previous gifts include a Porsche car to Ashley Kelly, the wife of pitcher Joe Kelly[2].
When Ohtani joined the Dodgers in December 2023, he initiated this tradition by giving Kelly's wife a real Porsche for retiring the number 17 [2]. Roberts jokingly expressed his desire to receive a car as well, and Ohtani complied with the toy version when the record was surpassed[2].
Roberts, who is of Japanese and American heritage, took a year to reciprocate with the toy Porsche[2]. This heartwarming display of sports camaraderie and paternal affection took place just days after Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, welcomed their daughter on April 19, whom they have yet to name[3].
Ohtani expressed his gratitude on social media, mentioning his wife and their new baby girl[3]. However, with their daughter now reaching driving age, Ohtani might want to reconsider gifting her this particular toy car[3].
Dodgers News
The Dodgers' Ongoing Pitching Dilemma: A Relentless Uncertainty
The Dodgers' pitching staff has been plagued with uncertainty over the past few weeks[4]. As the team navigates this challenge, Shohei Ohtani's ongoing friendship with Dave Roberts serves as a beacon of light. Ohtani and Roberts' heartfelt exchange demonstrates the affectionate and jovial nature of their bond[2].
Further Reading
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Default Judgment Against Woman Accused of Sexual Assault by Ex-Dodgers Pitcher Trevor Bauer
Enrichment Data:
- The federal investigation involving Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara in March 2024 centered on Mizuhara's actions related to illegal gambling activities. Mizuhara, who was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers in March 2024, confessed to using Ohtani's money to pay down his debts to an illegal sports bookmaker. He lied to Ohtani's bank about his identity to steal nearly $17 million, which he used primarily to settle his gambling debts[1][4]. In February 2024, Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay significant restitution to Ohtani and the IRS[4]. The investigation also raised questions about Ohtani's connection to the illegal sports bookmaker, though MLB cleared him of any wrongdoing after conducting its own investigation[3][4].
- Despite his involvement in a federal investigation related to illegal sports gambling, Shohei Ohtani enjoys a playful camaraderie with his Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, trading toy cars as a joke and a gesture of affection.
- The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff is grappling with uncertainty, but the enduring bond between Ohtani and Roberts serves as a source of comfort amidst challenges.
- Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was convicted in a federal court for stealing $17 million from Ohtani, which he used to repay an Orange County bookmaker, raising questions about Ohtani's connection to the illegal sports bookmaker.
- Shohei Ohtani and Dave Roberts share a bond that extends beyond sports, with Roberts eventually reciprocating Ohtani's toy Porsche gift, a display of their heartwarming friendship.
