Shohei Ohtani Day — an honor or a gimmick?

TOKYO — For as long as Shohei Ohtani plays for the Dodgers — which will be at least for the next 10 years and quite possibly longer — May 17 will be known as “Shohei Ohtani Day” in Los Angeles thanks to a resolution by the Los Angeles City Council. The date coincides with Asian American Pacific Islander month in L.A., while 17 is Ohtani’s uniform number. The date will be an annual event for as long as Ohtani is a member of the Dodgers. If he is traded to New York, there will be no more Shohei Ohtani Day in L.A.

Ohtani was present at L.A. City Hall last week for the very first Shohei Ohtani Day where the City Council conducted a ceremony and presented him with a formal resolution. L.A. City Council President Paul Krekorian presided over the gathering.

“Please welcome the greatest baseball player in America,” Krekorian exclaimed.