Roger Arrieta
As the Dodgers opened the 2025 season in Japan with the Tokyo Series, Dodgers President Stan Kasten shared his thoughts before the game against the Cubs. Speaking candidly, Kasten reflected on Shohei Ohtani’s incredible impact, the importance of honoring the Dodgers’ rich history, and how the team is helping grow the game globally.
Ohtani: Even Better Than Expected
When asked if Ohtani had met the team’s expectations, Kasten didn’t hesitate. “No, it’s definitely exceeded our expectations,” he said. Kasten praised Ohtani not just for his remarkable skill set—calling him a home run hitter, a base stealer, and a pitcher—but also for being a great teammate and an even better person. “That’s a combination you don’t find very often,” Kasten added. He emphasized that Ohtani’s impact goes beyond the field, highlighting how well he fits in with the clubhouse and staff.
Honoring the Dodgers Legacy
Kasten also spoke passionately about the Dodgers’ commitment to honoring their history. He pointed to the work done to preserve the legacy of legends like Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Fernando Valenzuela, Orel Hershiser, and Hideo Nomo. “We take that really seriously,” Kasten said. He explained that every year, players hear a speech on the first day of spring training about the club’s history, and he believes they take that message to heart.
The Bond Between the Dodgers and Their Fans
Kasten acknowledged how important the fans are to the team’s success. He admitted that supporting the Dodgers isn’t cheap but said the organization works hard to provide a product that fans feel is worth the investment. “Fans are all in, and so we keep spending so that they will keep spending,” he said, expressing pride in the strong relationship between the team and its loyal supporters.
Growing the Game Worldwide
Kasten was also proud of the Dodgers’ role in helping grow baseball around the world. He pointed out the incredible number of Dodgers fans who traveled to Tokyo and the thousands back home waking up at 3 a.m. to watch the games. “What we’re doing is good for growing the game globally, and I’m very proud of that,” Kasten said.
Embracing the Villain Role
Addressing criticism about the Guggenheim Group’s financial dominance, Kasten shrugged off the negativity. He noted that competition and rivalries are what make sports exciting. “If we’re the villains, that’s great—just as long as people keep buying tickets for their home teams,” he joked, embracing the idea that being the team everyone loves to hate can only make baseball more interesting.
Exploring Tokyo: A Personal Highlight
When asked about his favorite thing to do in Tokyo, Kasten admitted that most of his time was spent meeting with sponsors, but he did squeeze in a visit to Ginza. He described it as a mix of Times Square, Vegas, and Beverly Hills, adding with a laugh, “I couldn’t afford anything there, so it felt like home.”
As the Tokyo Series unfolded, Kasten’s reflections offered a glimpse into the Dodgers’ ongoing commitment to excellence—both on and off the field.
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