[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Dodgers employed a significant tactic in their effective recruitment of Shohei Ohtani. In a detailed article, ESPN’s Jeff Passan delved into the Dodgers’ strategy to win over Ohtani, highlighting their use of a covertly recorded video by Kobe Bryant to entice the athlete.
This video was made by Bryant in 2017 when Ohtani first entered Major League Baseball, as a gesture to assist the Dodgers. Originally intended for a final appeal to Ohtani, the Dodgers never used it initially since Ohtani was hesitant to join a National League team, preferring the American League where the designated hitter role was prevalent.
Despite Bryant’s passing in January 2020, the Dodgers retained the video and chose to present it during their pitch to Ohtani on December 1. Although the video lasted just about a minute, it significantly influenced Ohtani. “It was a major part of the entire presentation,” Ohtani remarked via his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, expressing his astonishment and describing the message as powerful and moving.
After nine more days of deliberation following this presentation, Ohtani decided to sign with the Dodgers. His choice was largely influenced by the organization’s dedication to victory, and the inclusion of a message from Bryant, an iconic figure in sports, undoubtedly underscored this commitment.