Shohei Ohtani Celebrates Dodgers’ World Series Win
Shohei Ohtani has secured two World Series championships during his first two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It seems almost a given that he’s on track to win consecutive National League MVP awards.
Yet, the two-way superstar from Japan is already focusing on the next opportunity for his team to lift the World Series trophy again.
On a Monday in Los Angeles, Ohtani enjoyed the celebrations with teammates, coaches, and the Dodger community after their thrilling Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. This nail-biting game culminated with the Dodgers defeating the New York Yankees in 2024, successfully defending their title.
While on the parade bus, Ohtani was asked if this success sets a “new normal” for the team following their back-to-back postseason appearances. He responded, through an interpreter, “We are already thinking about holding it a third time.”
Looking ahead, one of the major narratives for the upcoming MLB season will be whether the Dodgers can become the first franchise to win three consecutive World Series championships. The last team to achieve this feat was the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000, joining an exclusive group that includes the Athletics from 1972 to 1974.
Ohtani and the Dodgers’ potential future success wouldn’t be under discussion without significant contributions from other players, particularly Miguel Rojas and Will Smith. In a crucial moment during the World Series, Rojas came through with a game-tying solo home run, which sent the game into overtime after the Dodgers were just two outs away from elimination.
In the top of the 11th inning, Smith also made his mark by hitting the decisive home run off Shane Bieber.
Despite an early setback when Bo Bichette hit a memorable three-run homer that excited the crowd, the Dodgers fought back. Ohtani himself showcased impressive performance with a .333 batting average—nine hits in 27 at-bats—during the seven-game series.
His standout moment occurred in Game 3 when he notched two homers and played a key role in an epic 18-inning match, culminating in Freddie Freeman’s walk-off home run.
In the bottom of the 11th inning of Game 7, the Dodgers celebrated once more after Mookie Betts delivered a game-winning double play. Ohtani has confidence that the team will experience this victorious feeling again next October.
