Quickly after signing the largest sports contract in the world, Shohei Ohtani's presence is already being made in the Los Angeles area.
It's almost been two weeks since the reigning two-time American League MVP signed with the Dodgers and already, artists are painting murals across the city honoring him.
The first Ohtani mural popped up in Manhattan Beach while another one is located at Proceity, a hat store in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
Shohei Ohtani got his first mural as a LA Dodger
— 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ (@shoheisaveus) December 17, 2023
It’s in manhattan beach
©️ gz.jr pic.twitter.com/NkrEBxqpW9
He got another one today too by @never1959 pic.twitter.com/IXz51SerGg
— Morgan (@morganngill_) December 17, 2023
Both murals were created by Los Angeles artist Jonas Never who has created tons of murals honoring athletes across Los Angeles including Dodgers pitcher Joe Kelly — who even posed with his mural — and former Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer, Kobe Bryant.
Los Angeles has always had a great history in regards to art. From creative statues and paintings to graffiti-inspired art, L.A. has always embraced that to be part of its own culture.
While Ohtani has never actually played in a game for the Dodgers yet, the impact he is making across the city is already impressive. He's well on his way to solidifying himself as a Los Angeles sports icon for years to come.
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