Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani's message to Clayton Kershaw, LA sets attendance record

After Clayton Kershaw announced his retirement last Thursday, he received an outpouring of tributes and support from across the league (even from the Giants), but his teammates were some of the loudest voices as they bid farewell to a longtime teammate.

Freddie Freeman said he knew about the incoming announcement for months, but was sworn to secrecy and said it still hadn't fully set in. Max Muncy, who has been Kershaw's teammate for longer than anyone else on the Dodgers' roster said, "I know it's kind of the reality, but I still don't know if I believe it." Dodgers players crowded into Kershaw's follow-up press conference on Friday.

Shohei Ohtani offered a statement through a team spokesperson:

"Congratulations on an amazing, storybook, Hall of Fame career. I've always admired how you've gone about your business in such a professional way, and the success you've had is a true reflection of your dedication and commitment to the game.

"It's been awesome competing against you throughout the years, and now sharing a World Championship as your teammate has been a true honor. Let's enjoy this last month and go out with a splash!!"

Dodgers News: Shohei Ohtani celebrates Clayton Kershaw after retirement announcement, LA passes 4 million fan mark

And what a finish to Kershaw's career in the regular season it was. On Sunday, the Dodgers announced that they officially "passed the 4 million mark in attendance for the first time in franchise history." Through their last home game against the Giants, they announced 4,012,470 in attendance for the year, which gave them an average of 49,537 fans per game.

Per Baseball Reference, their most attended game of the year was their June 21 contest against the Nationals, when they gave out an Ice Cube bobblehead (54,154 fans). Their least attended home game was against the Twins on July 23, but they still brought in 40,094 fans.

Even if the Dodgers hadn't won the World Series last year, it's still likely that they'd be pulling in comparable numbers thanks to the Shohei Ohtani effect. Dodger Stadium has become a destination specifically for Japanese fans, who have flocked to LA since his signing. According to the LA Tourism and Convention Board, "80% to 90% of visitors from Japan now visit Dodger Stadium at least once during their stay."

Even during their awful July, they were still regularly pulling in 40,000-50,000 fans per game. It's only the 10th time any team in MLB has reached the 4 million mark, and the first time since 2008.