Shohei Ohtani pitched at Angel Stadium for the first time in nearly two years on Wednesday night, taking the mound into the fifth inning during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 6-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. His return to the field where he spent the majority of his early major league career gave fans the chance to see him face familiar opponents, including three-time American League MVP Mike Trout, whom Ohtani struck out twice. This appearance marked a memorable moment in the 2024 season, highlighting Ohtani’s unique connection to the stadium.
A Reflective Look Back on Familiar Grounds
Beyond the game itself, Ohtani took a moment to express his personal feelings about Angel Stadium, demonstrating a sincere attachment to the ballpark. His reflections contrasted with more common criticisms of the stadium’s atmosphere, as he openly praised the venue. Ohtani shared with MLB.com,
“I had a lot of good memories being in this stadium,”
and added,
“It’s one of my favorite stadiums to play in. So it was a really important mark for me to be able to pitch on this mound again.”
His comments revealed a hopeful and thoughtful side of the player, emphasizing how meaningful the stadium is to him beyond just being a playing field.
The Reality of Angel Stadium’s Reputation
Ohtani’s high regard for Angel Stadium might catch some by surprise given the venue’s mixed reputation among fans and analysts. While it benefits from favorable weather and bright sunshine, the stadium’s location near highways, apartment complexes, and parking lots somewhat diminishes its charm. In fact, Sports Illustrated ranked Angel Stadium 23rd out of 30 MLB ballparks in their 2025 stadium rankings, reflecting the divided opinions about its overall ambiance.
Implications for the Dodgers Moving Forward
Despite the nostalgia surrounding Ohtani’s return, his Dodgers were unable to secure a win against the Angels in the season series, losing all six games. The team now looks ahead to a challenging series with the San Diego Padres, who currently hold first place. While the Angels series results are a disappointment, Ohtani’s memories and remarks about Angel Stadium add a reflective, sincere element that enriches the ongoing narrative of his evolving career. His experience sparks renewed interest in discussions around MLB ballparks, weighing their strengths and weaknesses from a player’s perspective.