Over the years, baseball has seen some once-in-a-lifetime players, one of whom is Shohei Ohtani. A rarity in the modern game, Ohtani excels as both a pitcher and a hitter, dominating in ways not seen since the legendary Babe Ruth. Let’s take a look at his incredible journey to MLB stardom, which has placed him among the greatest players in the sport.
Early Life and Family Background
Shohei was born in Japan on July 5, 1994, into a family with a natural affinity for sports. His father was an amateur baseball player, while his mother was a competitive badminton player, and the two encouraged him to pursue his passion for baseball.
High School Stardom
At Hanamaki Higashi High School, Ohtani’s talent became undeniable. He consistently threw pitches clocking in the mid-90s and hit 99 mph by his senior year. His dual-threat capability as both a pitcher and a batter drew scouts worldwide, making him one of Japan’s most coveted prospects.
The Decision to Stay in Japan
Despite his aspirations to play in the MLB, Ohtani strategically decided to start his professional career in Japan. He was signed by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in 2012. Over the next few years, Ohtani established himself as one of NPB’s most dynamic talents.
The Move To Major League Baseball
In December 2017, Shohei Ohtani made headlines by signing with the Los Angeles Angels. His decision to join the MLB came with high expectations and doubts about whether he could succeed as a two-way player in such a competitive league.
A Sensational MLB Debut
Ohtani’s MLB debut in 2018 was memorable, as he made an immediate impact both on the mound and at the plate. He took home the American League Rookie of the Year award in his first season, finishing with 22 home runs and a 3.31 ERA.
Facing Setbacks And Injuries
Despite his success, Ohtani’s journey has been challenging. In 2018, he suffered a significant elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for most of the season. The following year, he suffered a knee injury that kept him out for several months, but he was able to bounce back and continue performing at a high level.
The Historic 2021 Season
The 2021 season was significant in Ohtani’s career, as he delivered one of MLB’s most extraordinary individual performances. That season, he became the first player to be named an All-Star as both a pitcher and a designated hitter, winning the American League MVP award.
Guinness World Records
Shohei also bagged two Guinness World Records accolades in 2021: one for the first MLB player to start an MLB All-Star Game as a designated hitter and pitcher and one for the first player to hit 100+ RBIs, hits, and runs as a batter, 100+ innings, and record 100+ strikeouts as a pitcher in one season.
A Successful 2022 Season
In 2022, Ohtani picked up where he left off in 2021, setting numerous records, including becoming the first player to have ten strikeouts as a pitcher, two RBIs as a batter, and a stolen base in one game since RBI became an official statistic in 1920.
First Career Grand Slam
May 9, 2022, was a monumental day for the acclaimed player, who recorded the first grand slam of his career against the Tampa Bay Rays. In that game, Shohei also surpassed Ichiro Suzuki’s record of home runs in a single game for a Japanese-born MLB player.
10 Highlights From Shohei Ohtani’s Unprecedented MLB Career