Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, considered by many to be the greatest to play the game, made his Spring Training debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Chicago Red Sox.
This was the Japan-born superstar’s first appearance since his unprecedented $700m deal to join the Lakers. While the expected line-up, including Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, Teoscar Hernandez and Jason Heyward, started the game, Shotime was easily the main attraction, and he had a relatively decent game.
FANS GAVE OHTANI A STANDING OVATION
Mookie Betts led the batting line-up, followed by Ohtani, who went second. Freddie Freeman rounded up the top three. Will Smith was fourth as the clean-up hitter. Ohtani hit a home run to the delight of the fans in attendance, and showed patience before he went for the run. He hit the shot in the fifth innings, smiling as he ran the bases.
Shohei Ohtani homers in his @Dodgers #SpringTraining debut. 💥💥 pic.twitter.com/o6vMUHKUR4
— MLB (@MLB) February 27, 2024
As he was circling the bases, the fans gave him a standing ovation. Freeman was waiting at the plate to greet his new teammate.
OHTANI, A TWO-WAY PLAYER, IS OFTEN COMPARED TO BABE RUTH
Ohtani began his career in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, winning the Pacific League MVP in 2016 before joining the Los Angeles Angels in Major League Baseball in 2018.
He quickly established himself as a force, becoming the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year. Injuries hampered his progress in 2019 and 2020, but 2021 saw a historic season. He became the first player in MLB history to record 10+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases as a hitter, while also striking out over 100 batters and making 10+ pitching appearances. This unique accomplishment, along with his overall performance, earned him the 2021 American League Most Valuable Player Award.
Shohei Ohtani.
Did you expect anything different? pic.twitter.com/3GdjwQ6zsf
— MLB (@MLB) February 27, 2024
He is often compared to Baseball titan Babe Ruth. While both were dominant two-way players, comparing them directly is difficult due to era differences. Ruth focused more on hitting, holding MLB records for career home runs and slugging percentage. Ohtani, playing in a higher-scoring era, excels at both hitting and pitching, showcasing a unique skillset.
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