Shohei Ohtani Gifts Sports Car to Dodgers Player's Wife in Exchange for Jersey Number

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ICARO Media Group
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24/12/2023 19h52

In a heartwarming gesture, Los Angeles Dodgers' newest sensation, Shohei Ohtani, surprised Ashley Kelly, the wife of Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly, with a brand new sports car on Friday as a token of appreciation for her tongue-in-cheek campaign to lure him to the team.

Ashley Kelly, recognizing Ohtani's attachment to the number 17, which he wore throughout his Major League Baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels, took to social media in a humorous attempt to persuade the Japanese superstar to join the Dodgers. Using the hashtag #ohtake17, she offered Ohtani her husband's coveted jersey number and even promised to hand over all their family gear bearing the number.

This light-hearted social media campaign caught Ohtani's attention, and after signing a remarkable 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers, he wanted to express his gratitude to Ashley Kelly. In a video posted by Kelly, she was seen cautiously peeking out her front door only to find a sleek new Porsche parked outside her house, accompanied by a voice saying, "It's yours, from Shohei. He wanted to gift you a Porsche."

In baseball, jersey numbers hold significant meaning and are often considered semi-sacred. When a new player desires a number already worn by another player, they typically negotiate or offer something valuable in exchange. Ashley Kelly's playful campaign acknowledged this tradition, eliminating any potential dispute over who would wear the coveted number 17 next season.

While her husband Joe Kelly will now sport the number 99, previously worn by pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu, it is believed that Ohtani may find other ways to show his appreciation to the reliever for willingly giving up the lucky 17.

The generosity and camaraderie displayed between Ohtani and the Kelly family serve as a heartwarming reminder of the strong bonds that can be formed within the baseball community. Fans and players alike have been moved by this gesture, with social media buzzing with messages of admiration for Ohtani's kindness and Ashley Kelly's humorous campaign.

As the Dodgers prepare for another exciting season, the addition of Shohei Ohtani is already creating a positive atmosphere within the team. With his remarkable two-way abilities and now his heartwarming gesture towards the Kelly family, Ohtani is quickly winning over the hearts of Dodger fans.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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