Shohei Ohtani isn’t only adored for his talent, he’s also loved for his generosity. As the Dodgers got together for a team dinner and celebrated Jack Flaherty’s birthday, Ohtani picked up the tab.
The action was a testament to how seamlessly Ohtani has transitioned to the Dodgers in his first season with the team. It’s also telling of the team camaraderie within the Dodgers clubhouse and highlights the chemistry amongst the players on the 2024 roster.
“We got plenty of guys that could have picked it up, but Sho wanted to jump on it,” Flaherty told MLB Network.
After Ohtani sustained his shoulder injury in Game 2 of the World Series, there was speculation that he wouldn’t be in the lineup for the Dodgers’ first game in the Bronx.
The Los Angeles superstar made sure to let his teammates know that he would be playing via text message. Ohtani’s message provided a sense of relief for the Dodgers, who were already traveling to the airport after the game.
Despite the chaos, Ohtani made the effort to let his teammates know he would be in the lineup come Monday.
Flaherty also showcased the team’s chemistry by sharing the Dodgers go out to dinner together often.
“We like to go out to dinner together,” Flaherty said. “We did it again when we got into town. We did it before we started against the Mets. That’s what we want to do.”
It’s evident the 2024 Dodgers are a special team. Chemistry is an important part of championship teams and it’s one of the reasons the Dodgers have come so far.
The Dodgers are one win shy of winning a World Series. Knowing how tight-knit this group of players, it would be a storybook ending if the Dodgers take the Fall Classic.
