ANOTHER HISTORIC FEAT BY SHOHEI OHTANI! WE’RE WITNESSING GREATNESS IN REAL TIME
When it comes to Shohei Ohtani, the word “unprecedented” has lost its meaning. The two-way superstar has redefined what’s possible in modern baseball, and last night, he added yet another mind-blowing accomplishment to his growing legend.
For the first time in 70 years, a player has started a game as a pitcher while batting leadoff—and that player is, of course, Shohei Ohtani. The last man to do it? Alvin Dark of the 1953 New York Giants. Before that, you’d have to go back to Jim Jones (also with the Giants, in 1951). And before that? The early 1900s.
This isn’t just rare—it’s nearly extinct. Yet Ohtani, as he always does, made it look effortless.
A Night of Historic Firsts
Ohtani’s ability to dominate on the mound while being his own best offensive weapon is something we haven’t seen in generations. Most pitchers are automatic outs. Some can occasionally help their own cause with a hit. But Ohtani? He’s a legitimate MVP-caliber hitter who also happens to be an ace-level pitcher.
Pitching: 6 IP, 8 Ks, 2 ER
Hitting: 2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 Run
He didn’t just contribute—he carried his team in both facets of the game, something only a handful of players in MLB history have ever done.
Why This Feat is Almost Impossible in Modern Baseball
Specialization Has Killed Two-Way Play – Teams don’t want pitchers risking injury by running the bases or wasting energy hitting.
The DH Rule – Since 1973, the designated hitter has removed pitchers from batting in the AL, making Ohtani’s feats even more unbelievable.
The Physical Demand – Throwing 100+ pitches AND taking competitive at-bats requires superhuman stamina.
Yet Ohtani laughs in the face of convention.
Ohtani Isn’t Just Talented—He’s a Living Legend
We throw around the word “generational” too often, but Ohtani is once-in-a-century. Consider:
2021 MVP (Unanimous)
2023 MVP (Unanimous, again)
First player ever with 10+ wins and 40+ HRs in a season
First player to qualify as both a hitter and pitcher in the same season
Now, the first since 1953 to start as pitcher + bat leadoff
Baseball hasn’t seen a player like this since Babe Ruth—and even Ruth didn’t face the level of competition Ohtani does today.
The Future? Even Scarier
At just 29 years old, Ohtani is still peaking. With his work ethic and freakish athleticism, he could:
Win a Cy Young AND MVP in the same season
Break the single-season HR record as a pitcher
Lead the league in strikeouts AND homers
We are watching history unfold in real time. Every Ohtani start is must-see TV because he does things nobody else can even attempt.
Appreciate Greatness While It’s Here
Shohei Ohtani isn’t just the best player in baseball right now—he’s one of the most unique athletes in sports history. Last night was another reminder: We may never see someone like him again.
So sit back, enjoy, and tell your grandkids you witnessed The Shohei Ohtani Experience.