In a heartwarming gesture, Shohei Ohtani, the new Dodger phenomenon, surprised Ashley Kelly, wife of relief pitcher Joe Kelly, by gifting her a brand new sports car on Friday. This special gift was in response to Ashley's humorous social media campaign, #ohtake17, aimed at luring Ohtani to join the Dodgers by offering him her husband's coveted No. 17 jersey.

Ashley Kelly's campaign gained traction as she promised Ohtani not only the jersey number but also all of the family's gear bearing it, including items with Joe Kelly's image or name. The former UC Riverside women's soccer player shared a video on Instagram, playfully throwing all the No. 17 items onto their front lawn while blowing them goodbye kisses, after Ohtani signed a lucrative 10-year, $700-million contract with the Dodgers.

The gesture of offering a trade or gift to acquire a sought-after jersey number is a common practice in baseball, where numbers hold a certain level of significance and tradition. Ashley Kelly's lighthearted campaign acknowledged the importance of the number and ensured there would be no dispute over who would wear No. 17 next season.

Although Ohtani's decision to join the Dodgers was influenced by multiple factors, it seems that Ashley Kelly's campaign did catch his attention and played a part in his decision-making process. In a video shared by her on Friday night, Ashley hesitantly peeks out her front door, only to find a sports car parked in front of their house. A man's voice confirms, "It's yours, from Shohei. He wanted to gift you a Porsche."

While Ohtani's gift to Ashley Kelly demonstrates his gratitude for her creative campaign, it remains to be seen how he will reward Joe Kelly, who graciously handed over the No. 17 jersey. As for Joe Kelly, he will be sporting a new number, No. 99, previously worn by pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu, as he continues his journey with the Dodgers after being part of the team's 2020 World Championship victory.

The #ohtake17 campaign not only brought a smile to baseball fans but also highlights the camaraderie and positive spirit that exists among players and their families. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, a playful gesture can make a significant impact, even in the world of professional sports.

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