As Shohei Ohtani gets ready to return to Angel Stadium as a visitor with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, the atmosphere is expected to be highly emotional. Ohtani spent six years dazzling fans and setting records with the Los Angeles Angels, solidifying his place as one of the most exceptional talents in baseball history. His impressive skills as both a pitcher and a hitter have left a lasting impact on the Angels, making his return a notable event. However, there is uncertainty about how the Angels will acknowledge his return. According to Sam Blum of The Athletic, the Angels currently have no plans to honor Ohtani’s contributions during his visit. A team spokesperson mentioned that, as of Monday, no tribute is planned, although there remains a possibility that the organization might reconsider before the game begins.
Shohei Ohtani’s exit from the Angels after the 2023 season was a dramatic turn of events. Upon becoming a free agent, he signed a staggering 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, moving to the rival team within the same city. This move left many Angels fans disheartened, especially given Ohtani’s remarkable talent and past contributions to the team. The disappointment was evident on opening night when Ohtani’s image appeared on the Angel Stadium video board, met not with cheers but with a chorus of boos.
However, it’s important to consider the context of his departure. According to The Athletic, it wasn’t Ohtani who chose to leave the Angels; rather, the organization failed to make a competitive offer to keep him. Angels owner Arte Moreno opted against pursuing Ohtani in free agency, even though his agent, Nez Balelo, indicated that the Angels had every opportunity to make a strong offer. With the Dodgers offering both a winning environment and substantial financial commitment, Ohtani’s decision to move was unsurprising.
The Angels’ reluctance to honor Ohtani is particularly striking given the current state of the franchise. With a record of 57-80, they sit last in the AL West and are far from playoff contention. They rank 16th in MLB attendance, averaging just 30,861 fans per game, according to ESPN. The energy that once filled Angel Stadium with Ohtani and Mike Trout on the field is noticeably missing, especially with Trout out for the season. The lack of star power to rally the team makes the Angels’ choice not to celebrate their biggest former star seem like a missed opportunity to reconnect with a fanbase that remains disillusioned.
The Angels’ potential decision to overlook Ohtani’s contributions appears short-sighted. Regardless of the uniform he now wears, Ohtani’s influence on the Angels’ history is undeniable, and his return warrants the applause and respect he earned during his six memorable seasons with the team. The Angels have a chance to take the high road by acknowledging Ohtani’s historic achievements and the complex circumstances of his departure. Failing to do so would not only shortchange the fans but also diminish the legacy of a player who made an indelible impact on the franchise.
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