LOS ANGELES -- For many Dodgers, the highlight of their weeklong trip to Japan for the Tokyo Series did not take place on the field -- although they all greatly enjoyed the Tokyo Dome atmosphere and experiencing what was, for the majority of them, a new city and country.
Instead, it was a special team dinner -- the centerpiece being a giant tuna fish that was estimated to weigh between 400-500 pounds -- that was organized by the team's trio of Japanese stars: Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki.
"It was definitely a lot of fun," lefty reliever Alex Vesia said. "It was amazing to eat. It was super fresh. The fish was caught two or three days ago, and it was never frozen."
"That was like a show," outfielder Michael Conforto said. "The food was great. It was just a team bonding experience. It brought us all together. I’m hoping we get to do more things like that."
"Every guy that I talked to said it was the best experience they ever had," manager Dave Roberts said.
Although the Dodgers who spoke about the dinner gave equal credit to all three Japanese players for planning the meal, both Yamamoto and Sasaki deferred to Ohtani's role in organizing the affair, implying that he had taken the lead in putting everything together.
Among other takeaways, it's an indicator of how Ohtani has grown since joining the Dodgers on a then-record 10-year, $700 million contract ahead of the 2024 season.
"I think it speaks to, more so than leadership, it's the culture," Roberts said. "I just think that it's their sense of nationalism and pride in their country that they wanted to put their best foot forward to welcome their teammates to Japanese cuisine and show hospitality. I think that's what speaks more for me.
"But yeah, would [Ohtani] have done this last year if we were here in Tokyo? Probably not."
The day after the Dodgers arrived in Tokyo, Ohtani had expressed one overarching desire for the team's trip to Japan.
“I’m sure my teammates are enjoying Japan right now, and I hope that they continue to do so,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “I hope that the fans get to see my teammates enjoy Japan.”
Mission accomplished, by all accounts.
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Ohtani's presence as a leader in the Dodgers' clubhouse is subtle. Many outside observers don't witness it firsthand. But signs of his influence are there for those who know what to look out for.
Since signing with the Dodgers, Ohtani has gradually shown the baseball world more about what he's like off the field. He's obsessed with his dog, Decoy. He plays pranks on his manager. And he takes the initiative to put together an unforgettable bonding experience for his teammates, something that they don't take lightly.
"What I’ve noticed is he’s not the type of guy who will lead the team by talking," Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. "It’s more by action. He’s trying to lead the team with his actions."
There's no question of how Ohtani leads by doing while on the field. He brings an elite presence to the top of the Dodgers' order, coming off the first 50-50 season in AL/NL history and his third unanimous MVP Award. He's also working to return to the mound this season, giving him an even greater opportunity to be a catalyst for his team.
It's more difficult to define Ohtani's impact off the field, but those around him are blown away by his humility, especially after they saw his likeness splashed everywhere across Tokyo. Ohtani, as the biggest star on a team loaded with talent and personalities, can contribute nearly as much as he does on the field by helping to set the tone for a cohesive team culture.
Much of that begins with bonding, as the Dodgers found when team chemistry helped them weather the adversity they faced on their way to a World Series title last season.
"[Ohtani is] a guy that wants to have fun, besides all the work that he's been doing," outfielder Teoscar Hernández said. "He likes to enjoy the time that we have outside of baseball, when we have the opportunity to get together. … Everything that people see on the field is so serious, but he's not."
At the dinner in Tokyo, when the Dodgers feasted on tuna, crab, sea urchin and other types of sushi, the Japanese stars who were responsible for organizing the meal didn't address the whole team, according to their teammates. Ohtani's interpreter, Ireton, was far more vocal, walking everyone through the preparation of each dish.
It was rather characteristic of Ohtani and how he chooses to command a room.
"They don’t have to say much. They did it with actions," said infielder Miguel Rojas, echoing what Yamamoto had said days earlier, "which is the most important part.”