Just one day before Shohei Ohtani’s bombshell $700M signing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, one player’s wife was doing all she could to help make the Japanese phenom’s signing possible. In her #Ohtake17 campaign, Ashley Kelly not only offered giving up her husband’s ’17’ jersey number to Ohtani, but went as far as changing her baby’s name.
Her 7-month old, born as Kai, is now named ‘Shokai’, Kelly commented as she kicked off her Instagram reel. Her ‘Ohtake17’, a play on words with the player’s name and her willingness to give up the Kelly family’s jersey number, resonated highly with LA fans.
Ashley Kelly enthusiastically welcomed Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers
“Plenty of sizes in the 17 campaign”, Ashley Kelly continued as she showed off her collection of jerseys and Dodgers gear. Pointing at a jersey with ‘Mama’ on the back, she told Ohtani “I have your mom ready to go”. A ‘bedazzled’ number 17 baseball cap was also shown off for him or someone in his “army” to wear. Even a crew-neck with a mural of her husband, whom she said a face-swap on the design could easily be arranged.
A clear purse, perfect to comply with MLB ballpark security protocols, was also offered up. And the pitcher’s wife even offered to pick off the parts of the strap that still have the name Kelly on it.
There was only one piece of clothing that Kelly said she’d continue to wear, a long sleeve shirt with a heart and the word ‘Zaddy’ in it. “I’m still going to wear this one, because I agree with that”, she said.
Reports earlier in the week indicated that the 35-year-old Joe Kelly, who had his extension declined but another 1-year contract offered, was approached by Dodgers management over giving up his number ’17’ jersey. Naturally, no issues were given by the veteran, who is rumored to take over his previous number ’58’ jersey.
