Hitting records is one thing, but launching a full-on prank war? That’s something else entirely! Shohei Ohtani did both when he broke Dave Roberts’ home run record in 2024. To celebrate, he gifted his manager a toy Porsche. But Roberts had his revenge planned; he waited for the right time to stuff Ohtani’s real Porsche with plastic balls. The entire Dodgers clubhouse couldn’t stop laughing at this epic spring training prank!
The Day Shohei Ohtani Broke Dave Roberts’ Home Run Record and Sparked a Prank War
This playful battle began after Shohei Ohtani hit his eighth home run during the 2024 season to surpass Dave Roberts’ previous mark for Japanese-born players on May 4. Ohtani celebrated his eighth home run above Roberts’ previous score of seven by giving him a toy Porsche as a humorous tribute to the Dodgers manager’s seven-home run history.
Dave pranked Shohei back. 😂 pic.twitter.com/28ryuo5OtF
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 1, 2025
Fast forward to spring training 2025, and Roberts seized the opportunity for a delightful revenge. He filled Ohtani’s actual Porsche with an avalanche of plastic balls, which cascaded out when Ohtani opened the door.
MORE: Shohei Ohtani Shoots Down Injury Concerns With Massive Performance in Spring Training Debut
This whimsical act not only surprised Ohtani but also delighted his dog, Decoy, who found joy amidst the colorful sphere-filled car.
Dave Roberts pranked Shohei by filling Sho’s car with toy balls
Safe to say Decoy was a big fan of the prank 😂
(via shoheiohtani/IG) pic.twitter.com/S0BOo4K1uJ
— MLB (@MLB) March 1, 2025
Roberts said in a video message accompanying his prank that Ohtani had won the first round but reminded him of the revenge rule. He said he had loaded plastic balls into Ohtani’s car and gestured to his own smiling face in the images he had sent. Roberts advised Ohtani to have fun cleaning his car, preserve the pictures, and enjoy the prank.
Ohtani Joins Exclusive Club of 30 Players with 400 Total Bases in a Single Season
Beyond the pranks, Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 season was absolutely famous. Having hit 54 home runs and stolen 59 bases, he became the first Major League Baseball player to have a 50-50 season. Along with proving his dual-threat skills, this amazing accomplishment confirmed his reputation as among baseball’s most adaptable players.
Shohei Ohtani’s offensive ability was underlined by his .310 batting average; 197 hits; 38 doubles; 134 runs scored over 159 games. Placed among an elite club of only 30 players in MLB history, his 411 total bases making him the first big league bat since 2001 to exceed the 400 total bases mark in a single season.
The exceptional level of Shohei Ohtani’s performance twice in a row following the American to National League switch led him to his third MVP honor.
