"Amazing how Shohei Ohtani can move the needle" - Dodgers manager Dave Roberts in awe of Japanese star's aura as City of Los Angeles dedicates day

The City of Los Angeles has decided to do something special for Shohei Ohtani for joining them. Last year, Ohtani left Anaheim to join the Dodgers for a 10-year, $700 million contract, signing MLB’s most lucrative deal ever.

On Friday, the Japanese unicorn was honored at the Los Angeles City Hall with a city council resolution declaring May 17 as Shohei Ohtani Day for the duration of his career at the Dodgers.

On MLB Network Radio, the Dodgers manager, Dave Roberts, shared how Ohtani has impacted the major league and the Dodgers since joining.

“It was great,” Roberts said as he and his team attended the ceremony. “We were downtown at City Hall, and the City of Los Angeles designated this Shohei Ohtani Day. The council members spoke about his impact on Major League Baseball, the Dodgers, and certainly the city of Los Angeles.

“We were very well respected with the Dodgers, and Shohei did a great job of taking in all the compliments that were thrown his way. But it’s really amazing, the impact, the way he can move the needle on the interest, the excitement in our sports.”

Meanwhile, Ohtani has been impactful for the Dodgers throughout the week. Yesterday he went hitless in his two at-bats with a walk and stole a base before getting replaced by Andy Pages. Except for Thursday, Ohtani went 7-for-14 with three RBIs and a home run.

The Dodgers lost the first game of the series against the Cincinnati Reds 2-7 on Thursday. However, fans are optimistic about Ohtani leading the Dodgers in the NL West’s pennant race.

Shohei Ohtani thanked the Los Angeles City for honoring him

Shohei Ohtani, with his Dodgers teammates and manager, Dave Roberts, attended the recognition ceremony held by the City of Los Angeles to acknowledge Ohtani’s accomplishments.

“Thank you very much to the L.A. City Council," Ohtani said through an interpreter, via ESPN. "I appreciate you recognizing me on this day. I want to thank the Dodger organization as well and all the fans."

Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten congratulated Ohtani.

"Since becoming a member of the Dodger family in December, Shohei has been everything we've hoped for and more," Kasten said. "We are grateful for his accomplishments on the field, his warmth in the clubhouse, and his character in all respects, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved honor.

Ohtani became the career leader in home runs hit by a Japanese player last month, passing Hideki Matsui (175). This month, he passed Roberts (7) for the most homers hit by a Japanese player for the Dodgers. The season is still long, with fans eagerly awaiting what new records Ohtani will create and break.