Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with third baseman Enrique Hernandez (8) after beating the New York Yankees in game four to win the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented first season with the Dodgers ended in another breakthrough on Wednesday as the Japanese slugger hoisted the World Series trophy for the first time after Los Angeles beat the New York Yankees for the title.

The first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, Ohtani struggled at the plate during the series after suffering a shoulder injury in Game Two but that did not detract from his enjoyment of the victory.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I’m honored to be part of a season where we played the longest, and to be able to get to know this team,” he told reporters after the team’s 7-6 Game Five victory over the Yankees in New York.

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS RESULTS: PBA Finals Ginebra vs TNT Game 4 November 3 SPORTS PBA Finals: Ginebra dominates TNT in Game 4 to tie series at 2-2 SPORTS UAAP: Monteverde, UP draw lessons from worst loss of season

READ: Dodgers win World Series in 5 games, overcome Yankees

“My first year and experience winning a World Series has been a tremendous honor.”

Article continues after this advertisement

After winning two MVP awards as a member of the Los Angeles Angels but never reaching the postseason, Ohtani signed a record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December.

Article continues after this advertisement

The 30-year-old made the bold move to defer the vast majority of that money until a later date, allowing the team to sign top talent like fellow Japanese star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and improve their chances of a title run.

Article continues after this advertisement

There were highs and lows away from the diamond.

READ: Shohei Ohtani hitless in return, Dodgers near World Series crown

Article continues after this advertisement

Ohtani surprised fans in February when he announced that he had got married, and soon after was forced to navigate a scandal that involved his former translator stealing millions from him to pay off gambling debts.

“We were able to get through the regular season because of the strength of this team, this organization,” he said.

The Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate their win against the New York Yankees in Game 5 to win the baseball World Series, Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

“And the success of the postseason is very similar to how we were able to pull it off during the regular season. Again, the strength of the organization.

“Extremely honored to be a part of this.”

READ: Shohei Ohtani is fastest player in MLB history to join 40-40 club

While Ohtani did not pitch this season after undergoing offseason elbow surgery he is still all but certain to win the National League MVP award. He is expected to return to the mound in the spring.

After the franchise won their eighth title and first since 2020, they will now look to build a dynasty around Ohtani, World Series MVP Freddie Freeman, and three-time World Series champion Mookie Betts.

“I really felt like the professionalism of the two players really stands out,” he said of Freeman and Betts.

“And aside from the two players, I do feel like we had a really good lineup with a lot of good hitters, one through nine.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“It really allowed me to elevate my game as well, not just technically777rainbow, but also my professionalism.”

READ NEXT Yao Ming quits as head of China’s basketball association F1: Max Verstappen under scrutiny in defense of reputation EDITORS' PICK Gilas Pilipinas to have all hands on deck vs Kiwis US says Iranian-American held in Iran following Israeli attack More than 273,000 passengers seen in ports nationwide on All Souls’ Day UAAP: Monteverde, UP draw lessons from worst loss of season PBA Finals: Momentum now on Ginebra’s side, Chot Reyes admits Angelica Lopez is ‘Pearl of the Orient Seas’ in Miss International 2024 MOST READ Marcos, BARMM leaders discuss collaboration for 2025 elections LPA seen outside PAR, chance of becoming a typhoon is low DOJ urged to issue lookout bulletin vs OVP officials RESULTS: PBA Finals Ginebra vs TNT Game 4 November 3 Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments

• reaches
• World
• 777rainbow
• Shohei
• Ohtani