Shohei Ohtani Makes Stunning 2025 Debut with a Home Run in First Spring Training At-Bat
The energy at Camelback Ranch was palpable as over 12,000 fans eagerly awaited Shohei Ohtani’s first official plate appearance since the World Series. The stadium was packed, with some fans reportedly paying up to $180 for a glimpse of baseball’s biggest star.
At precisely 6:10 p.m., Ohtani stepped up to the plate against Kikuchi. Fans chanted, “M-V-P, M-V-P,” as he took his stance. After watching the first pitch—a fastball—for a strike, he worked the count full before Kikuchi delivered a 94-mph fastball down the middle.
Ohtani didn’t hesitate. He drove the pitch over the left-field fence with ease, showcasing the raw power that made him last season’s MVP. As the ball cleared the wall, the crowd erupted, while Kikuchi could only shake his head in disbelief.
“There was a lot of anticipation for this night, and for him to homer in his first at-bat off Kikuchi was pretty special,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said postgame.
After missing time due to his shoulder injury, there were concerns about how Shohei Ohtani would adjust upon his return. But his effortless swing and powerful contact proved that he is back to full strength.
“Obviously, he’s fine,” Kikuchi admitted after the game. “To hit the ball that far in his first at-bat shows he’s in great shape. I’m sure he’ll put up similar numbers this season.”
Despite popping up and striking out in his next two at-bats, Ohtani showed no signs of discomfort. He later reassured reporters that his shoulder felt completely normal.
“My last at-bat, my last swing, I was a little late, but my shoulder felt great,” Ohtani said. “That was a good test.”
Roberts was equally impressed with Ohtani’s seamless return. “Given where we’re at in spring training, I wouldn’t have guessed he had surgery this offseason. He hasn’t missed a beat.”
Ohtani’s 2024 campaign was historic. He became the first player in MLB history to hit 54 home runs while stealing 59 bases, creating the exclusive 50-50 club. However, replicating that performance in 2025 might be challenging, especially with Roberts planning to manage his workload carefully.
The Dodgers’ manager indicated that Ohtani will be given occasional rest days and will run less frequently than last season. Additionally, Ohtani is expected to return to the mound in May, adding another layer of complexity to his workload.
Still, his teammates remain in awe of his abilities. Dodgers outfielder Michael Conforto, who watched Ohtani’s home run from the dugout, summed up what many baseball fans feel.
“The guy is incredible, just incredible,” Conforto said. “I plan on being on the top step every time he hits this year. I don’t want to miss anything.”
Shohei Ohtani’s presence in MLB has made him a global phenomenon, but nowhere is his influence felt more than in Japan. The Dodgers are set to open their regular season on March 17-18 against the Chicago Cubs in Tokyo, and anticipation is reaching fever pitch.
Dodgers president Lon Rosen believes Ohtani’s return to Japan will be a spectacle unlike any other.
“It’s going to be like the Beatles going there,” Rosen joked. “Only bigger.”
Fans in Japan have been eagerly awaiting Ohtani’s first game back on home soil, and with his stunning spring debut, expectations have only grown.
Shohei Ohtani has already rewritten baseball history, and his 2025 season could add yet another remarkable chapter to his legacy. As he prepares to return to pitching while maintaining his elite hitting performance, the baseball world watches in awe.
With his first home run of spring training, Ohtani has sent a clear message: he’s ready to dominate once again. Whether it’s crushing homers or striking out batters, Shohei Ohtani remains the greatest show in baseball.
