Shohei Ohtani tied current manager Dave Roberts for the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise record of most home runs hit by a Japanese-born player.
Ohtani slugged his seventh home run of the season in the first inning on Friday night. The at-bat began with Toronto Blue Jays fans showering Ohtani with boos.
He continues to lead the Majors in several offensive categories, including slugging percentage and total hits, among other areas.
Not regarded as a power hitter, Roberts tallied his seven home runs over parts of three seasons with the Dodgers. He hit three homers for L.A. in 2002.
[BUY HERE: Shohei Ohtani bobblehead]
Ohtani previously broke the MLB record for most home runs hit by a Japan native when he passed Hideki Matsui on April 21.
Matsui played in 1,236 career games, while Ohtani achieved the record with 176 career home runs in just 725 games. Matsui did add 10 home runs in the postseason, while Ohtani has yet to play in an MLB playoff game.
“Honestly, I’m relieved and happy,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton of his achievement. “I took a while to get to this point since my last homer. So just honestly happy and relieved.”
As Ohtani passed Matsui, Roberts noted he likely only had a couple days remaining as the Dodgers record-holder for most home runs by a Japanese native.
Ohtani joked his next goal and focus was on passing Roberts for the Dodgers record.
Shohei Ohtani signs with Rapsodo
Ohtani recently signed a long-term endorsement deal with Rapsodo, which makes him the company’s new technology ambassador.
“Shohei is not just an extraordinary talent; he’s a symbol of where mindset, dedication, and the right tools can lead,” Rapsodo founder and CEO Batuhan Okur said in a statement. “We’re honored to be a part of his journey and look forward to working together, pushing the boundaries of what our technology can achieve.”
Ohtani’s is going to assist with the advancement of Rapsodo’s baseball flight monitor technology, as well as development for baseball players at all levels who share his passion for the sport.
More must-reads: