The official introductory press conference of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ new pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto is still hours away. However, the confirmation of his induction into the squad has already created a shockwave of happiness among fans. The reason is the formation of a $1 billion partnership the baseball world has never imagined, with $700 million Shohei Ohtani as one of the partners. From the latest update, it feels fans will get another reason to celebrate the partnership after Yamamoto succeeded Ohtani’s jersey number 17.

Although the numbers on the back do not play a role in one’s performance, they become part of an identity that lasts forever. That’s what every baseball player wishes for, and Yamamoto’s seems to be no exception. But in his case, the importance of doing it has increased with an ace factor and historical association from the past.

Big Shoes to Fill for Yoshinobu Yamamoto as Legacy Number 18 Becomes Part of His MLB Journey

After Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto has his jersey number revealed too. According to an X post, the WBC champion will wear number 18 on his back in the upcoming season. Given that #18 has traditionally been worn by the ace Shelby Miller on the team in Japan, this makes it a crucial task to justify the trust in allocating the number. Plus, if the Dodgers’ history is taken into context, its relevancy increases with the legendary Bill Russell coming into the picture.

Notably, the former baseball player is a historic figure in the baseball world, all thanks to his exploits with a Los Angeles-based team, first as a player and then as a coach. Russell was part of two World Series campaigns after debuting in 1969. Thus, repeating something like this would be a task of Yamamoto in his first MLB season. However, that’s not all.

With this, he will succeed Ohtani, who has number 17 as a gift from Joe Kelly. Given the closeness two digits share, it has added another weight to the partnership between the two Japanese. Having won the WBC together, everyone expects them to shine in the Blue and White. But will that be the case?

Will Ohtani and Yamamoto Be Able to Repeat What They Did During the WBC Campaign?

It was a dream end for the Samurais after Ohtani struck out his friend Mike Trout for the World Baseball Classic trophy. However, the situation has changed now, with the Two Way Phenom unlikely to throw next season from the mound. In this case, he needs support and will need Yamamoto to become that.

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