“He has Albert Pujols’, he also has a Mike Trout one” - Shohei Ohtani talks about his bobblehead collection with journalist Kirsten Watson

On Thursday, 40,000 fans had their hands on Shohei Ohtani's bobblehead as the Dodgers recorded a record attendance at the ballpark since 2019. The two-way star who was signed during the offseason has seen his fanbase grow further after six seasons with the LA Angels.

Ohtani got his own bobblehead, both home and away versions. Dodgers reporter Kirsten Watson had an interaction with Ohtani where she asked what he does with his own bobblehead or if he is a collector.

Quoting him indirectly, Watson said:

"Shohei Ohtani's bobblehead dolls are a hot topic among my teammates," she said. "We all got one, and we all swapped them around to see who had the gray version. When I asked Shohei about his day, he said he was very happy and enjoying it. He said he got one white and one gray.

"When I asked him if he displayed the bobbleheads, he said he always sends them home (probably to Japan). He only keeps a few of them and keeps them on display. He has Albert Pujols. He also has a Mike Trout one, not his own."

Ohtani talked about sending his own bobbleheads to Japan but also mentioned being a collector and having them on display for his former teammates, Albert Pujols and Mike Trout.

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Shohei Ohtani's bobblehead night made public frenzy

MLB: Los Angeles Dodgers at San Francisco Giants

Two hours before the game, the scenes at Chavez Ravine were a sight to behold. Not only were there long parking lines, but people were waiting outside the gate in a long queue to be among the first 40,000 and get their hands on a piece of memorabilia.

"Shohei creates a stir," manager Dave Roberts said before the game (via Informnny).

“I can’t imagine what it’s like outside. It’s great for Shohei and it’s good for the Dodgers. It’s going to be a hot ticket item. The more I see him every day the more I realize how special of a person and a ballplayer he is."

The celebratory night didn't turn out the way Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers would have liked, though. The Cincinnati Reds won 7-2 on the road, on the back of Elly De La Cruz's record four stolen bases.