When 30-year-old Dodgers international superstar Shohei Ohtani was announced by Dodger Stadium PA announcer Todd Leitz as he was preparing to step in the batters box to lead off the bottom of the first inning of Friday night’s game against the visiting Colorado Rockies, the crowd of 49,073 gave the Oshu, Japan native a very long and very loud standing ovation of the likes never seen (or heard) before at Blue Heaven on Earth.

Ohtani rewarded the crowd (and the millions more watching on television and listening on radio) by slugging his 52nd home run of the season with two outs in the bottom of the fifth inning with Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy on second base, giving them half of what they wanted.

Ohtani further rewarded the crowd (and the millions more watching on television and listening on radio) by stealing his 52nd base of the season (without a throw) with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning, giving them the other half of what they wanted in the Dodgers eventual 6-4 win over Colarado.

“It’s hard to say, but I’m focused on quality at-bats, and as long as I am able to do that, I think we’ll see where it goes,” Ohtani answered through interpreter Will Ireton postgame when SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson asked him what he thinks he can get to with eight games remaining in the regular season.

“I think he’s lights out, clearly. I think he’s ramped up his focus, I really do,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said postgame of his future Hall of Famer. “Not to say that anyone is ever trying to make out, but I think these last couple games, he’s locked in.”

Stay “focused” and “locked in,” Shohei!

Play Ball!

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