Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine the boundaries of what a baseball player is capable of, leaving even seasoned observers in awe. In a remarkable display of athletic prowess in Miami, Ohtani went 6 for 6, hit three home runs, amassed 10 RBIs, and stole two bases—all in a single game. Such feats underscore his unique ability to dominate multiple facets of the game simultaneously.
Ohtani has already cemented his place in MLB history by becoming the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. This extraordinary milestone not only sets him apart from his contemporaries but also places him in a league of his own historically. Even the legendary Babe Ruth, often referenced as the greatest baseball player of all time, never exceeded 17 stolen bases in a season.
As if his regular season exploits were not enough, Ohtani is set to experience postseason play for the first time in his career, thanks to the Dodgers securing a playoff berth with their victory against the Marlins last Thursday. This momentous occasion adds another layer to his already illustrious baseball journey.
Ohtani's early career in Nippon Professional Baseball hinted at his prodigious talent. At the age of 19, he posted a 2.61 ERA over 155 1/3 innings alongside credible hitting statistics in 234 plate appearances. Observers took note even back then, recognizing the rare blend of pitching and hitting skills in one player.
A Unique Talent
In the words of some baseball analysts, "There's never been anyone like this." This sentiment echoes throughout the baseball community, summarizing the collective astonishment at Ohtani's achievements.
Elevating his game to new heights in MLB, Ohtani’s 2021 season featured 46 home runs, 100 RBIs, 26 stolen bases, and a 3.18 ERA, with 156 strikeouts in 130 1/3 innings pitched. The following year, he posted a 144 OPS+ along with 34 home runs, 95 RBIs, 15 wins, 219 strikeouts in 166 innings, a 2.33 ERA, and a 1.01 WHIP. These numbers are impressive as standalone statistics but are staggering when combined in one player's season.
This season has been no less spectacular for Ohtani. With a 185 OPS+, 44 home runs, 95 RBIs, 102 runs, 20 stolen bases, 10 wins, 167 strikeouts in 132 innings, and a 3.14 ERA, he consistently showcases an unparalleled versatility. Analysts argue that "He needs more longevity before that threshold can be reached, but there shouldn't be much arguing with this statement: He's the most all-around talented player in baseball history."
Historical Comparisons
The conventional comparison to Babe Ruth falls short in numerous aspects. While Ruth excelled as both a hitter and a pitcher, he never maintained his two-way player status over an extended period. In contrast, Ohtani has been a full-time two-way player for a longer duration, further distinguishing his unique role in baseball history.
Ohtani's admirers believe that reflecting on his early stats from Nippon Professional Baseball provides context to his greatness. "Go back about a decade and check the Nippon Professional Baseball stats, and there was a 19-year-old kid who hit pretty well in 234 plate appearances while also pitching to a 2.61 ERA in 155 1/3 innings," one observer noted. These early achievements laid a solid foundation for his transformative impact in MLB.
The Future
As Ohtani prepares for his first taste of postseason play, baseball fans worldwide anticipate how his extraordinary skills will translate under the heightened pressure of playoff baseball. His journey is a testament to relentless dedication, unparalleled athleticism, and a deep love for the game. In a sport that reveres its history and tradition, Ohtani has carved out a place as a living legend, poised to continue breaking records and defying expectations.
For those few who might still harbor skepticism, perhaps the best advice comes from the admirers themselves: "Never hang out with that person."