Dodgers Outfielder on Shohei Ohtani: 'He's Like Elvis'
First, the Beatles. Now, Elvis.
It seems no matter what he does, Shohei Ohtani is attracting tons of media attention and impressive comparisons.
While the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani's former team, are just getting used to no longer having a frenzy of media around at all times to keep up with Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers are just getting used to Ohtani mania.
Even for a team that is as big of a brand as the Dodgers, the level of media Ohtani attracts is unheard of. Former Angels teammate Anthony Rendon said he's head the media craze for Ohtani compared to the Beatles. Now, Dodgers outfielder James Outman has compared it to Elvis.
“It’s been crazy. The first day he was here, even before spring training started, I see cameramen and reporters lined up behind the fence at 6 in the morning. It’s been going on like that every day, just trying to capture anything they can. I’m telling you, he’s like Elvis. Everyone screams just getting a glimpse of him."
— James Outman, via USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
That media attention will continue to be at a high as Ohtani makes his official Dodgers debut when the regular season kicks off in Seoul Korea on March 20 and 21. It should continue through the end of March, when the Dodgers hold their home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, the attention on Ohtani will likely never end if the Angels' experience proves true with the Dodgers. The Angels recounted how for Ohtani's entire six-year tenure with the team, there were reporters constantly around. Though this is of course more than worth it for the Dodgers to have Ohtani on the team, it will be an adjustment for everyone involved.
If the Dodgers are winning, though, I don't think anyone will mind the extra attention.
