Shohei Ohtani: The Japanese Baseball Genius Taking MLB by Storm

2024-05-06 06:43:57

Shohei Otani applauds with his colleagues. /AFP Yonhap News

When Shohei Ohtani (30, LA Dodgers), a Japanese baseball genius, created a pitcher’s syndrome in MLB (US Professional Baseball), this curiosity spread among fans. “What happens if he focuses on just one thing? » That wish unexpectedly came true when Ohtani underwent right elbow ligament fusion surgery in September last year and declared a “hiatus” as a pitcher for the 2024 season.

Ohtani, who focuses on the stick, is powerful. Ohtani appeared as the designated hitter twice in the MLB home game once morest the Atlanta Braves (Dodger Stadium, CA, USA) on the 6th and performed well with 4 hits in 4 at-bats (2 home runs ), 3 RBIs and 2 runs. In his first at-bat, he hit a 125-yard 2-pointer mid-range, and following scoring successive hits, he cleared the middle wall once more in his final at-bat. stick, emphasizing its “show of firepower”. In particular, the last home run had a distance of 141 yards, which was the longest home run hit by Ohtani this season. Of the five hits recorded that day, four went to Ohtani. The Dodgers won 5-1 and retained first place in the National League West Division (23 wins, 13 losses, .639 winning percentage). Ohtani said, “Our team is showing good performance overall” and “I think that’s why I can swing the bat more confidently at the plate.”

Shohei Ohtani hits his 10th home run of the season. /USA Today Yonhap News

Ohtani’s detailed batting metrics are unmatched. His batting average was .364 (52 hits in 143 at-bats). He currently has 10 home runs, 25 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. He ranks first in MLB in hits, doubles (14), home runs, batting average, slugging percentage (.685), and OPS (on-base percentage + 1.111 slugging percentage). He shows solid performance whether he is left-handed (.328 batting average) or right-handed (.390). It is no exaggeration to say that he is currently the best hitting hitter in MLB. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said: “Ohtani is performing like never before. “I hit it regardless of the opposing pitcher or the playing time,” he said, sticking out his tongue.

Shohei Otani and Teosca Hernandez. /AFP Yonhap News

Dodgers fans are excited, with reactions like “Ohtani needs to remember he’s a rehabbing pitcher” and “Ohtani has started to turn on monster mode.” Ohtani, a left-handed right-handed pitcher, extends his left arm forcefully when he hits, so there is relatively less strain on his right arm, which makes a pulling motion, so he only appears as a batsman this year. He is not expected to play as a pitcher until following 2025.

Ohtani, who played for the low-ranked LA Angels and never got to play in the fall baseball season, takes the lead in driving the team’s success alongside heavy hitters such as Mookie Betts (32 years old) and Freddie Freeman (35 years old). If things continue like this, Ohtani’s dream of winning the World Series might soon become a reality.

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