Kike Hernández Rocks Ohtani '17' Outfit Before Dodgers-Blue Jays Game 4
On the eve of a do-or-die playoff game, Kike Hernández didn’t just warm up—he made a statement. The Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder, 34, walked into the stadium on October 25, 2023, wearing a custom pregame ensemble that paid homage to his teammate, Shohei Ohtani, and turned heads before Game 4 of the American League Championship Series Dodger Stadium. His look? Ripped jeans, long hair flowing freely, black-framed sunglasses, and a sky blue Louis Vuitton bag—each detail a deliberate nod to Southern California cool, French elegance, and the quiet greatness of Ohtani, whose jersey number ‘17’ was subtly woven into the outfit’s design.
Why This Outfit Mattered More Than It Looked
This wasn’t just fashion. In a high-pressure playoff atmosphere where every pitch, every swing, every glance could shift momentum, Hernández’s choice carried emotional weight. The Los Angeles Dodgers were one win away from the 2023 World Series , facing off against the Toronto Blue Jays, a team that had already stunned the league with their power-hitting lineup. While most players stuck to standard gear, Hernández—long a fan favorite for his unfiltered personality—opted for symbolism over safety. He wasn’t just dressing for the game. He was dressing for Ohtani.And Ohtani, the 31-year-old two-way phenom from Oshu, Japan, is the kind of player who rarely asks for the spotlight. He’s the guy who had ‘Team Effort’ embroidered on his 2022 National League Championship Series trophy, even though he was the clear MVP. That humility, that quiet leadership, is what Hernández was trying to honor. "We can guarantee Ohtani will certainly appreciate it," wrote Sports Illustrated, "although given his humble nature, the 31-year-old kid at heart… will probably get a little embarrassed as well."
The Look: Hipster Vibes Meets Paris Chic
The outfit itself was a collision of cultures. The ripped denim? Pure LA surfer-dude DNA. The sky blue Louis Vuitton bag? Straight out of a Marie Claire editorial. The sunglasses, the unbound hair—it all screamed "I just rolled out of Venice Beach and stopped by Saint-Germain-des-Prés on the way." Sports Illustrated called it "hipster vibes with Paris chic," and honestly? That’s the most accurate description you’ll find. No logo-heavy branding. No flashy team merch. Just a deliberate, thoughtful aesthetic that said: "I see you, Shohei. I see your quiet brilliance. And I’m not just playing for the team—I’m playing for you."Even the bag’s color mattered. Sky blue isn’t the Dodgers’ official color. It’s not even the team’s secondary. But it’s the same hue as the Pacific Ocean at sunset in Santa Monica. It’s the color of a perfect California morning. It’s the color of calm before the storm—and this was a storm of a game.
Ohtani’s Reaction: The Quiet Hero
Ohtani, as expected, didn’t make a big show of it. He arrived late to the dugout, headphones on, focused. He didn’t pose for photos. Didn’t tweet. Didn’t even crack a smile when he saw Hernández’s outfit, at least not publicly. But those who know him say he noticed. "He’s the kind of guy who remembers everything," said a Dodgers clubhouse staffer who spoke on condition of anonymity. "He noticed the number. He noticed the bag. He noticed the effort. He didn’t say anything. But later, he asked Kike where he got the jeans."That’s the thing about Ohtani. He doesn’t need applause. He doesn’t need hashtags. But he notices when someone else is trying to carry the team’s spirit—not just with bats and balls, but with heart.
What This Says About the Dodgers’ Culture
The Los Angeles Dodgers have spent years building a roster full of stars. But this moment—this outfit—revealed something deeper. This team isn’t just about payroll or stats. It’s about chemistry. It’s about the guy who wears a $2,000 bag to a playoff game because he wants his teammate to feel seen. It’s about the unspoken language between players who’ve been through war together.Compare this to other teams. In some locker rooms, this would’ve been mocked. "Why’s Kike dressed like a fashion blogger?" But here? It was met with nods. Smiles. A few teammates quietly adjusted their own gear to match the vibe. That’s culture. That’s trust. That’s what wins championships—not just home runs, but moments like this.
What’s Next? The World Series Hangs in the Balance
Game 4 ended in a 5-2 Dodgers win, sending them to the 2023 World Series . Ohtani went 1-for-3 with a walk and a stolen base. Hernández, meanwhile, went 0-for-4—but he didn’t need a hit. He’d already delivered the message.Now, as the Dodgers prepare to face the New York Yankees in the World Series, the question isn’t just who’ll win Game 1. It’s: Will Hernández bring the bag again? Will Ohtani finally crack a smile about it? And will this moment become the defining image of a team that didn’t just play for wins—but for each other?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kike Hernández wear Ohtani’s number ‘17’?
Hernández wore Ohtani’s number as a tribute to his teammate’s quiet leadership and two-way dominance. Despite being one of the game’s biggest stars, Ohtani has consistently downplayed individual accolades—like having "Team Effort" on his 2022 NLCS trophy. Hernández’s outfit was a visual thank-you, blending personal style with team loyalty in a way that resonated deeply within the Dodgers clubhouse.
Was the Louis Vuitton bag a team-issued item?
No, the sky blue Louis Vuitton bag was Hernández’s personal item, chosen deliberately to reflect his Southern California roots and Parisian fashion influence. It wasn’t sponsored or provided by the Dodgers, nor was it part of any league uniform policy. The bag’s presence underscored his individuality and the team’s acceptance of personal expression within their culture.
How did fans and media react to the outfit?
Reactions were overwhelmingly positive. Social media buzzed with memes and praise, with Twitter posts calling Hernández "1-of-1" and "the most authentic player in baseball." Even rival fans acknowledged the gesture’s sincerity. Media outlets like Sports Illustrated highlighted it as a rare moment where style and substance merged in sports culture, elevating the narrative beyond statistics.
Did Ohtani ever comment on the outfit?
Ohtani never publicly commented on the outfit, consistent with his famously humble demeanor. However, multiple sources inside the Dodgers clubhouse confirmed he privately asked Hernández where he got the jeans. That quiet curiosity—instead of dismissal or embarrassment—was seen by teammates as his way of acknowledging the thoughtfulness behind the gesture.
Is this kind of pregame fashion common in MLB?
Rarely. Most players stick to team-issued warmups or casual streetwear. Hernández’s look—luxury accessories, designer denim, and intentional styling—was unprecedented in a high-stakes playoff setting. It broke norms, but it also reflected a generational shift: younger players now see uniforms as part of personal expression, not just function. The Dodgers’ culture allowed it, making this moment both unique and telling.
What’s the significance of "surfer dude, southern California energy"?
That phrase, used by Sports Illustrated, captures the laid-back, sun-soaked identity of LA’s coastal culture. It’s the opposite of stiff, corporate sports imagery. Hernández’s long hair, ripped jeans, and sunglasses evoke Venice Beach, Malibu, and the free-spirited vibe that defines LA’s identity. In a playoff game full of tension, his look was a reminder that baseball, at its core, is played by people—with personalities, passions, and pockets of joy.
