Shohei Ohtani is showing his appreciation in a big way after taking over Joe Kelly’s No. 17 with the Dodgers by gifting Kelly’s family with a brand new Porsche. The generous gift was revealed by Kelly’s wife, Ashley, in a heartwarming Instagram post on Saturday night. In the video shared by Ashley, the moment of unveiling the luxury car in their driveway captured the excitement and surprise of the family.
“It’s yours, from Shohei,” a man at the door says in the video. “He wanted to gift you a Porsche.” After Ohtani’s signing with the Dodgers was confirmed, it was clear that Kelly would be parting with the jersey number he had proudly worn for the past three seasons. In response, Ashley Kelly had a lighthearted reaction to the news, playfully tossing heaps of No. 17 Kelly Dodgers gear around the front yard of the family’s house, which she shared on Instagram.
In a comment, Joe Kelly humorously addressed the jersey number swap, saying, “I wasn’t going to give it up to just anybody. If Shohei keeps performing, he’ll be a future Hall of Famer and I’ll be able to have my number retired. That’s the closest I’ll get to the Hall of Fame.” Kelly also teased about having a list of requests in return for the number change, but he offered no further details. Whether the Porsche gift was part of his requests remains unclear at the moment, but the grand gesture from his new teammate is a testament to Ohtani’s generosity.
Ohtani, fresh off signing a massive $700 million contract, has wasted no time in making a meaningful impact, both on and off the field. His thoughtful gesture toward Kelly’s family is a display of gratitude and camaraderie within the Dodgers organization. The mutual respect between Ohtani and Kelly underscores the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie that characterizes the team. It also sets a positive example for others in the league.
The exchange of the No. 17 jersey and the subsequent gift of a luxury car highlights the camaraderie and goodwill that exists within the world of baseball. The bond between teammates, and Ohtani’s generous spirit, serves as a reminder of the deeper connections and relationships that go beyond the game itself. This heartwarming story is a reflection of the positive impact that athletes can have both on and off the field, showcasing the values of generosity, gratitude, and sportsmanship. The joyful reaction of the Kelly family to Ohtani’s gift also stands as a testament to the meaningful and lasting impact of such a thoughtful gesture.
