Long lines of cars formed on the streets around Dodger Stadium five hours before the Dodgers hosted the Orioles on Wednesday night to get their hands on the second Shohei Ohtani bobblehead given away at the Dodgers’ home.
The second bobblehead of Shohei Ohtani given away at Dodger Stadium was just as sought after as the first.
Or, as Yogi Berra would say, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”
Long lines of cars were seen on the streets surrounding the stadium five hours ahead of the team’s welcome to fans. Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night.
Some drivers turned the wrong way to bypass a blocked intersection near one of the stadium entrances where there were no traffic officers present.
“I’m thrilled to have achieved this,” said manager Dave Roberts before the game. “It took me a long time to get into Dodger Stadium. I actually picked up one of the Dodger employees. She was struggling up the hill, so I helped her a bit.”
Only the first 40,000 fans received the doll, which depicts Shohei Ohtani smiling while holding his dog named Decoy. Some golden versions were distributed randomly.
“Man, there’s a huge demand for this bobblehead,” Roberts remarked.
The first gold bobblehead goes to Shohei and Decoy. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/lpziRN9d8X
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 28, 2024
Fans, many of them Japanese, lined up patiently under a blazing sun, with the queue stretching far back from the main gate before it opened.
The first bobblehead giveaway featuring Shohei Ohtani during the May promotion, which showcased him in a batting stance, attracted a crowd of 53,527, the largest in the majors this season and the biggest at Dodger Stadium since Sept. 20, 2019. The promotion caused traffic to come to a standstill for hours before the game began.
Ohtani walked, popped out, and struck out that evening in a 7-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
The Dodgers have scheduled one more Ohtani giveaway to celebrate the two-way superstar’s first season in Los Angeles after six years with the Angels in Anaheim. The September promotion will be a T-shirt. The team previously distributed caps in July.
Shohei Ohtani joined the Dodgers last December, signing a 10-year, $700 million contract. Last week, he made history as the fastest player in major league history, and the sixth overall, to achieve 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season, accomplishing this milestone in the same game.
Now, he is pursuing an unprecedented goal: 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.
Roberts expressed ongoing amazement at the excitement surrounding Ohtani.
“When you’re in this daily, he’s a baseball player who simply wants to play,” the manager stated. “But when you see him making an impact and moving the needle as he does, I’ve never witnessed anything like it. It’s incredible.”
Long Lines of Cars Formed Around Dodger Stadium for Ohtani Bobblehead Night
The second bobblehead of Shohei Ohtani at Dodger Stadium turned out to be as popular as the first, drawing massive crowds ahead of the game.
Traffic around the stadium was chaotic, with long lines of cars forming as early as five hours before the game against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night. Fans were eager to get their hands on a coveted bobblehead featuring the two-way superstar.
Bobblehead Giveaway: A Fan Favorite
The excitement surrounding the Shohei Ohtani bobblehead giveaway was palpable. Only the first 40,000 fans received the collectible item, which depicted Ohtani cheerfully holding his dog, Decoy. Randomly distributed golden versions of the bobblehead added to the frenzy, further increasing demand.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts captured the spirit of the night, stating, “I’m happy to have achieved it. I actually picked up one of the Dodgers workers who was struggling up the hill.” His remark highlights not only the popularity of the event but also the sense of community the Dodgers are fostering among their fans.
Fan Reactions: Patience Under the Sun
As throngs of fans, many of whom were from the Japanese community, awaited the gates to open, they braved the scorching sun in long queues. The first giveaway, which featured Ohtani in his batting stance, attracted a crowd of 53,527 earlier in the season, marking it as the largest attendance in Major League Baseball (MLB) this year. The previous Ohtani bobblehead night had led to traffic gridlock for hours before the game.
Key Highlights of Ohtani’s Performance
At the earlier event, Ohtani’s performance on the field was less remarkable, where he walked, popped out, and struck out during a 7-2 loss against the Cincinnati Reds. Despite this setback, the enthusiasm from fans remained unwavering.
Upcoming Promotions: Ohtani’s Impact on Dodgers
In recognition of Ohtani’s impressive career, the Dodgers have scheduled additional promotions. One more giveaway is set for September, which will celebrate Ohtani’s first season in Los Angeles after six successful years with the Los Angeles Angels. The September promotion will feature a T-shirt, while Dodgers fans received caps back in July.
Ohtani’s Record-Setting Season
Shohei Ohtani recently secured his place in MLB history by becoming the fastest player to achieve 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. This incredible feat places him among just six players to ever reach such heights, and he achieved this milestone in the same game.
The Unprecedented Buzz Around Shohei Ohtani
Dave Roberts expressed his surprise at the overwhelming attention Ohtani receives, saying, “When you’re in this day in and day out, he’s a baseball player that just wants to play. But when you see him make an impact and move the needle like he does, I’ve just never seen anything like it. It’s unbelievable.”
Benefits of Attending Bobblehead Nights
- Collectibles: Bobblehead nights provide fans with exclusive memorabilia to commemorate their experience.
- Community Engagement: These events foster a sense of community among fans, making them feel connected to one another and the team.
- Excitement and Entertainment: The anticipation leading up to the event adds to the entertainment value of attending a game.
- Potential Investment: Collectible bobbleheads can increase in value over time, especially for limited edition items.
Practical Tips for Attending a Bobblehead Giveaway
- Arrive Early: To secure your collectible, plan to arrive well in advance of the event.
- Parking Considerations: Be aware of traffic flow and parking availability around the stadium. Consider public transportation if possible.
- Stay Hydrated: Bring water and stay hydrated while waiting in line, especially during hot days.
- Check Social Media: Follow the Dodgers on social media for real-time updates on promotions and potential changes.
Schedule of Ohtani Promotions at Dodger Stadium
| Month | Event | Item Given Away |
|---|---|---|
| May | Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Night | Batting Stance Bobblehead |
| July | Cap Giveaway | Dodgers Cap |
| August | Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Night | Bobblehead with Dog, Decoy |
| September | T-Shirt Giveaway | Shohei Ohtani T-Shirt |
A Glance Back: Dodger Stadium’s Notable Achievements
Dodger Stadium is renowned not only for its historic value but also for the exciting game nights it offers fans. The combination of thrilling gameplay, fantastic giveaways, and engaging community experiences continues to solidify its place as one of baseball’s premier venues.
