Shohei Ohtani isn't just a baseball player; he's a global phenomenon, captivating fans with his unparalleled two-way talent. From the mound to the plate, the Japanese superstar redefines what's possible in Major League Baseball. As he begins his new chapter with the Los Angeles Dodgers, one constant remains: his iconic jersey number, 17. While many athletes have deep, personal stories behind their chosen digits, Ohtani's journey to number 17 is a blend of preference, circumstance, and eventual legend-making.
The Story Behind #17
Before dominating MLB, Ohtani carved his legend in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. There, he famously donned jersey number 11. This choice carried significant weight, as it was previously worn by another Japanese pitching icon, Yu Darvish, who had left for MLB. Ohtani embraced the number, signaling his arrival as the league's next prodigious talent and living up to the high expectations associated with it.
However, upon making his highly anticipated move to Major League Baseball in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani faced a common dilemma: his preferred number 11 was already taken. At the time, catcher Martin Maldonado wore the number for the Angels. Rather than pushing for it, Ohtani opted for number 17. While there isn't a mystical origin story for his choice of 17 – it was likely just an available number he liked or was offered – it quickly became synonymous with his groundbreaking two-way success. He carried the number through his historic MVP seasons with the Angels and now proudly wears it as a Dodger. Ultimately, the number 17 isn't just a digit; it represents the era of Shohei Ohtani, a player who has redefined baseball history, one swing and one pitch at a time.
Trade on Every Game with Kalshi
Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.