Los Angeles Dodgers' spring training officially kicked off on February 12, 2023, at their facility in Glendale, Arizona, bringing excitement to both players and fans alike. Among the highlights was the presence of two of baseball’s brightest stars, Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki, who garnered plenty of attention and cheers from eager supporters.
Ohtani, entering his eighth season in Major League Baseball, showcased his skills right from the first day. After warming up with some light tossing with his catcher, he fired 20 pitches, impressively accurate even with the chilly weather conditions. He followed up his bullpen work with outdoor batting practice, hitting 10 home runs out of 18 swings. "I think my pitching is good. It was cold today, but I was able to throw with good power," Ohtani commented, expressing satisfaction with how he managed to perform.
Roki Sasaki, who is also new to the Dodgers, made his presence felt on the mound as well. During bullpen practice, he threw 35 pitches under the watchful eye of Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and other coaching staff. Sasaki remarked earlier, reflecting on the intensity and novelty of the spring training experience, "I was really nervous. It’s my first time, and there are many amazing players around. There were plenty of new routines, and it felt quite different." His performance was well-received, with fans showing enthusiasm, calling out his name as he stood on the pitcher’s mound.
Encouraged by the support of his teammates, both Ohtani and Sasaki expressed how much they appreciated the camaraderie and teamwork present at camp. Ohtani said, "Having athletes like Yamamoto and Sasaki makes things easier because I can check the flow of practice beforehand. I’m grateful for their support." This year’s camp is particularly significant as it prepares players, including Ohtani, for international competition at the World Baseball Classic.
The atmosphere was lively at the Glendale facility, with fans flocking to witness the training. Some players, including Korean players who have recently joined the team, added to the diversity of the camp, prompting many to travel to various locations within the extensive training complex to watch their favorites practice.
With the condensed schedule, numerous media representatives—American, Japanese, and Korean—were present to catch the latest updates from the field. A Dodgers staff member exclaimed, "We're busy and excited about this camp compared to last year," indicating the surge of interest surrounding the team.
Looking forward to the World Baseball Classic, Ohtani emphasized the importance of staying healthy to maintain his performance level. He provided thoughtful insights about the physical demands of balancing pitching and hitting but remained optimistic about his role on the team. He said, "Of course, staying injury-free is the most important thing. If I can demonstrate my skills effectively, it will be significantly beneficial for the team."
Undoubtedly, Ohtani and Sasaki have made quite the impression ever since their spring training began. Both aim to deliver strong performances this upcoming season, and it’s clear their dedication will resonate with fans hoping for another successful year. This season isn't just about individual skills; it’s about the collective strength and determination of the team, with championships on everyone’s minds.
Now as they push back and prepare for another season, fans are left wondering if Ohtani will make history this year or if Sasaki will rise to fame. The Dodgers are gearing up for what they hope will be another remarkable season filled with success and unforgettable moments, and it all begins here under the Arizona sun.