"If Shohei Ohtani wants to bang helmets, I'll do whatever" - Dodgers coach shares thoughts on following Clayton McCullough tradition

Shohei Ohtani is coming off a historic season that saw him become the first MLB hitter to eclipse the 50-50 mark, finishing with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. His on-base percentage in the regular season was .371, and he had a tradition going with former Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough, who moved on to become the Miami Marlins manager.

Both would strike helmets to celebrate reaching base safely. Filling the void left by McCullough will be Dodgers coach Chris Woodward, who shared his thoughts on the tradition and whether it will continue in 2025.

"We’ll see. Obviously, that’s one of the conversations I’ll have to have with Shohei, Freddy, and all these guys to see what they want to do," Woodward told Alanna Rizzo on Foul Territory (17:11 onwards). "Listen, I’ll need to give them some information beforehand, but I love it. I love guys that celebrate. It’s hard to get a major league hit, and anytime they get over there, whether they walk or whatever it is, I say, ‘Hey, let’s celebrate a little bit.’

"I think it just brings back the enthusiasm and passion for the game. If he wants to bang helmets, I’ll do whatever he wants, as long as it doesn’t take too long since I obviously have to give some information. But I love that stuff."

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Shohei Ohtani bids goodbye to Clayton McCullough with a parting gift

Shohei Ohtani, who's signed to the Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million, has not only grabbed attention for his exploits at the plate but also off it.

Whether gifting a toy Porsche to Dave Roberts on passing him for most home runs by a Japanese-born Dodger or gifting a car to Joe Kelly's wife Ashley for allowing him to wear No. 17, Ohtani is spreading love all around.

After the last regular season game of Clayton McCullough with the Dodgers, the three-time MVP gifted him a signed picture of himself and McCullough tapping helmets at first base. McCullough will keep the picture as a memento.

The former Dodgers first base coach said that he has learned a lot from Shohei Ohtani, for which he's grateful.