Ashley Kelly, the wife of Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly, went above and beyond in spreading the holiday spirit by offering up her husband’s No. 17 to new acquisition Shohei Ohtani through a remarkable social media campaign. With the hashtag #Ohtake17, she publicly lobbied for Ohtani to sign with the Dodgers. Her witty campaign included showcasing all the No. 17 apparel in the family’s closets that could be converted for use by Ohtani and his family. She even made the humorous offer to rename their baby, Kai, to ShoKai. A true testament to her dedication, Ashley’s efforts paid off when Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers earlier this month.
Ashley Kelly’s selfless gesture was met with overwhelming gratitude from Shohei Ohtani. In a heartwarming show of appreciation, Ohtani presented Ashley with a stunning silver Porsche. The Dodgers shared a video on social media capturing the moment of surprise. As Ashley opened the front door, she was greeted by the sight of the luxurious car parked at the curb. The delivery driver revealed the gift’s origin, saying, “It’s yours. From Shohei. He wanted to gift you a Porsche.” This unexpected gift exchange exemplifies the genuine appreciation that players share for their fans and the power of personal connections made through social media.
Joe Kelly, who had worn No. 17 since 2019, made a significant sacrifice as he officially gave up his jersey number to Ohtani. The veteran reliever’s decision to relinquish his number holds great meaning, considering Ohtani’s long-standing association with No. 17 during his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. With the jersey number switch, Kelly will don the No. 99 jersey for the Dodgers. This selfless act by Kelly highlights his sportsmanship and willingness to prioritize team camaraderie over individual preferences.
This heartwarming story showcases the unique bond between players and their fans. It is not uncommon for athletes and their families to form connections with fans through social media platforms. Ashley Kelly’s passionate campaign, engaging with Ohtani and highlighting the family’s support, exemplifies the deep-rooted love and respect within the world of baseball. The remarkable gift exchange between Ohtani and the Kellys serves as a testament to the power of personal connections and the impact they can have both on and off the field.
Ashley Kelly’s actions go beyond a simple social media campaign. Her selflessness and dedication to making Ohtani feel welcome in Los Angeles created an extraordinary bond between the two families. The gift exchange embodies the holiday spirit and the joy of giving. Together, they have shown that a simple act of kindness can create a lasting impact and strengthen the sense of community within the baseball world.
Ashley Kelly’s remarkable gesture of offering her husband’s jersey number to Shohei Ohtani led to an unexpected gift exchange. The Porsche presented to Ashley Kelly is a representation of the gratitude expressed by Ohtani for the support he received from the Kelly family. This heartwarming story demonstrates the importance of personal connections in the world of baseball and the profound impact they can have. As players and fans continue to engage through social media, stories like these serve as reminders of the power of love, support, and selflessness in fostering a sense of community within the sports world.
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