The Unique Gesture that Sealed Ohtani's Move to the Dodgers

In a heartwarming turn of events, the wife of baseball reliever Joe Kelly made an unconventional proposal to entice Shohei Ohtani to join the Los Angeles Dodgers. Her efforts did not go unnoticed, as Ohtani responded with an extraordinary gesture - gifting her a Porsche.

The Dodgers recently released a captivating video, showcasing Ashley Kelly, Joe Kelly's wife, launching the innovative #Ohtake17 campaign. Ashley displayed their impressive collection of No. 17 merchandise, which they were willing to repurpose for Ohtani and his family. In a show of commitment, Ashley even suggested renaming their baby, Kai, to ShoKai. The heartwarming video features Ashley opening the front door, only to find a sleek silver sports car parked outside.

As the camera pans to the person behind the lens, a voice reveals, "It's yours, from Shohei. He wanted to gift you a Porsche."

Ohtani recently secured a historic $700 million, 10-year contract, prompting his move to the Dodgers - a mere 30-mile journey up Interstate 5. During his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani wore the iconic No. 17 jersey.

Meanwhile, Joe Kelly has sported the No. 17 jersey for the Dodgers from 2019-2021 and again last season. However, with his new $8 million, one-year contract finalized, Kelly has made the decision to switch to No. 99.

"I wasn't going to give it up to just anybody," Kelly stated after Ohtani's arrival was announced. "If Shohei continues to perform at his remarkable level, he will undoubtedly become a future Hall of Famer. Retiring my number as a tribute to him is as close as I'll ever get to the Hall of Fame."

When asked about what Ohtani would be receiving in return, Kelly coyly replied, "Oh, there's a list, but no comment."

This extraordinary exchange between Joe Kelly, his wife Ashley, and Shohei Ohtani marks a significant moment in the player's transition to the Dodgers. It exemplifies the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the baseball community, making this story one that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.