The Los Angeles Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani’s team, play at Dodger Stadium — a ballpark known for heavy traffic because most fans have to arrive by car.

In August 2024, the congestion became extraordinary during the giveaway event for Ohtani’s bobblehead featuring his beloved dog, Decoy.

Even players and coaches were reportedly shocked by the traffic surrounding the stadium that day.

Many fans lined up hours before the gates opened, and some reportedly arrived seven or eight hours early just to secure the limited-edition giveaway.

Bobbleheads are popular throughout Major League Baseball, not only Ohtani’s.

Several times each year, teams distribute special bobbleheads to fans for free.

However, the number available is always limited, which means fans often line up early to guarantee they receive one.

For Ohtani’s event, the Dodgers prepared an unusually large number — 40,000 bobbleheads.

Even so, Dodger Stadium regularly draws crowds exceeding 50,000 people.

Adding Decoy to the design made the item even more special and collectible.

Fans knew the giveaway would become iconic, and many were determined not to miss it.

Naturally, Ohtani himself was caught in the traffic on the way to the stadium and took longer than usual to arrive.

But when asked about the incredible scene, his response reflected his typical humility and innocence:

“When I arrived, even I was surprised. I thought maybe there was some completely different event going on.”

Rather than immediately realizing that he himself was the reason for the massive crowds and traffic, Ohtani reacted like an ordinary observer.

That unpretentious reaction felt unmistakably like Shohei Ohtani.

Despite being one of the most famous athletes in the world, he often speaks and behaves with a natural humility that makes fans feel even closer to him.

Source

This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.

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