Shohei Ohtani reaches the top of the Series in his first season with the Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with third baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) after beating the New York Yankees in game four to win the 2024 MLB Series at the Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Photos

Shohei Ohtani’s record-breaking first season with the Dodgers ended with another breakthrough Wednesday when the Japanese slugger hoisted the World Series trophy for the first time after Los Angeles beat the New York Yankees for the title.

Ohtani, the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, struggled at the plate during the series after suffering a shoulder injury in the second game, but that didn’t stop him from enjoying the victory.

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“I’m honored to be a part of a season where we played longer and to get to know this team,” he told reporters after the team’s 7-6 Game 5 victory over the Yankees in New York.

READ: The Dodgers win the World Series in 5 games and beat the Yankees

“My first year and my experience winning a World Series has been a tremendous honor.”

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After winning two MVP awards as a member of the Los Angeles Angels but never reaching the postseason, Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December.

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The 30-year-old made the bold decision to defer the vast majority of that money until a later date, allowing the team to sign top talent like star Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and improve their title chances.

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There were ups and downs away from the diamond.

READ: Shohei Ohtani hitless in return, Dodgers close to World Series crown

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Ohtani surprised his fans in February when he announced that he had gotten married and soon after was forced to navigate a scandal that involved his former translator stealing millions from him to pay off gambling debts.

“We were able to overcome the general season thanks to the strength of this team, this organization,” he said.

Los Angeles Dodgers MLB world series baseball championshipLos Angeles Dodgers MLB world series baseball championship

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their victory against the New York Yankees in Game 5 to win baseball’s World Series, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

“And the postseason success is very similar to how we were able to achieve it during the regular season. Again, the strength of the organization.

“It is a great honor to be a part of this.”

READ: Shohei Ohtani is the fastest player in MLB history to join the 40-40 club

While Ohtani did not pitch this season after undergoing elbow surgery in the offseason, he is still almost certain to win the National League Most Valuable Player award. He is expected to return to the mound in the spring.

After the franchise won its eighth title and first since 2020, they will now look to build a dynasty around Ohtani, World Series MVP Freddie Freeman and three-time World Series champion Mookie Betts.

“I really felt like the professionalism of both players really stood out,” he said of Freeman and Betts.

“And other than the two players, I feel like we had a very good lineup with a lot of good hitters, one through nine.


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“It also really allowed me to improve my game, not only technically, but also in my professionalism.”

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