Shohei Ohtani’s Jerseys Break Records
The Dodgers Are Already Seeing the Benefits of Acquiring Ohtani
A Match Made In Baseball Heaven!
It looks like the Shohei Ohtani effect is very real. According to MLB news from Fanatics, Ohtani’s Dodgers jersey just set the record for most jersey sales in a 48-hour period. He surpasses the record previously held by Lionel Messi’s Miami jersey sales. Cristiano Ronaldo now drops to third, NFL quarterback Justin Fields’ Bears jersey ranks fourth and Phillies superstar Bryce Harper’s No. 3 is fifth. Pretty impressive Ohtani stats if you ask me.
Shohei Ohtani’s no. 17 Dodgers jersey set Fanatics’ all-time record for sales within 48 hours of release 📈🔥
Their previous jersey sales record-holder was Lionel Messi for Inter Miami. pic.twitter.com/1fTD37ZABB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 13, 2023
This is pretty wild considering baseball isn’t nearly as popular as soccer or football on an international level. However, Ohtani’s popularity has now transcended the sport. Even people who don’t know baseball are buying his jersey.
The Dodgers gave up $700 million to finalize the Shohei Ohtani contract and it’s hard to imagine they regret after seeing these figures. He’s going to be a cash cow for the team for a long time. Hell, they might be able to keep making money off of him for years after he retires. If this guy can get Los Angeles another World Series title, he’ll be worth every penny they’re going to be paying him for the next 20 years.
Shohei Ohtani is a Los Angeles Dodger. pic.twitter.com/jKNIcp6Z5W
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 12, 2023
Ohtani Revives Baseball’s Popularity
Ohtani breaking the jersey record isn’t just great for the Dodgers, but it’s also really great for baseball. This is the most people have been talking about baseball in a long time. The sport has fallen in popularity over the years but a player like Ohtani is great for the sport.
Lost in the shuffle is the fact that the Dodgers have now surpassed the New York Yankees as the most popular team on Instagram. That might not seem like a big deal but it is. The Yankees are synonymous with baseball and have been the biggest brand in the MLB for decades.
Shohei Ohtani has passed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s 48-hour jersey sales record on Fanatics.
The Dodgers also just overtook the Yankees as the most-followed MLB team on Instagram — a record the Yankees held since Instagram’s launch.
The Shohei Ohtani effect is real 📈 pic.twitter.com/vMEvz2y0Ol
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) December 14, 2023
Dodgers Challenge Yankees’ Baseball Dominance
While they likely still are the most popular club, the Dodgers are hot on their tail. The team wins every year and just added the most popular player in the sport. The Yankees had a good run but Los Angeles is just better than New York. Yeah, I said it. The Yankees might have to get involved with some major MLB trade rumors if they hope to regain their grip on baseball.
At the end of the day, Ohtani coming to Los Angeles is just good for baseball. I’m sorry but his going to the Toronto Blue Jays wouldn’t be nearly as big of a deal. The MLB’s biggest star belongs in one of the biggest markets.
Author: Sin City Sniper
Author: Sin City SniperBusting bookmakers and taking their money is his greatest joy in life. He’s been around the block more than once, knows the players both on and off the field of battle, and uses his experience to serve the bookies a heaping plate of humble pie washed down by a warm glass of their salty tears. You can find him in any number of Vegas books, sniping weak lines and getting paid to do it.
The opinions and view here expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Point Spreads or any of its affiliates. Point Spreads is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the articles and content pieces included herein; moreover, besides being solely the opinion or views of the authors, these content pieces are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, anyone or anything.
