The name “Shohei Ohtani” and the word “record” have practically become synonymous in recent years, given his remarkable achievements. Now, Ohtani can add another record to his already impressive list.
Just ahead of his highly anticipated introductory press conference with the Dodgers, where he’ll be unveiled as the first-ever $700 million athlete in history, Ohtani achieved yet another milestone. According to Fanatics, his No. 17 Dodgers jersey set a new record for sales within the first 48 hours of its release.
The Shohei effect. 📈
Shohei Ohtani now holds Fanatics’ all-time record for highest sales within the first 48 hours of a jersey release. pic.twitter.com/lnwhe4z3qL
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 14, 2023
Ohtani’s jerseys, both in physical stores and online, flew off the shelves at a rate that surpassed the previous record holder, soccer superstar Lionel Messi, by more than double. Coming in third is another soccer jersey, worn by Cristiano Ronaldo. NFL quarterback Justin Fields’ Bears jersey claims the fourth spot, and the No. 3 jersey of Phillies’ superstar Bryce Harper rounds out the top five.
As Ohtani prepares to put on a Dodgers jersey for the first time during his introductory press conference, he’ll do so knowing that countless fans are already proudly sporting the No. 17 in Dodger blue, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the superstar’s legendary career.
