LOS ANGELES — Dodgers manager Dave Roberts surprised Shohei Ohtani with a playful gift for his infant daughter, continuing a lighthearted prank tradition between the two. Ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Mets, Roberts presented Ohtani with a child-sized, remote-controlled pink Porsche, intended as a toy for the baby.
Roberts explained that the gift was from him and his wife and called it a “sincere joke” that reflects their ongoing friendly banter. The prank dates back to when Ohtani promised Roberts a car after breaking the Dodgers’ franchise record for home runs by a Japanese-born player — a record Roberts previously held. Ohtani followed through with a toy Porsche, echoing a past gesture when he gifted a real Porsche to pitcher Joe Kelly’s wife.
The two continued their playful exchanges in Spring Training. Ohtani left a toy Porsche in Roberts’ parking spot, and Roberts responded by filling Ohtani’s car with colorful plastic balls, much to the amusement of Ohtani’s dog, Decoy. That prank seemingly settled the score, which made Ohtani’s initial wariness when receiving the pink Porsche all the more amusing.
Ohtani laughed and thanked Roberts, joking that he thought he was in trouble. The exchange highlights a warm and humorous relationship between player and manager. With this latest prank, Roberts has reignited their playful rivalry, leaving fans curious to see how Ohtani might respond next.
