Los Angeles Angels: Shohei Ohtani makes All Star Game history
By David Hill
Shohei Ohtani has put together the type of season which we have not seen in major league history. The Los Angeles Angels star is finally healthy, and is proving to be exactly what he was billed as – the Japanese Babe Ruth. His performance over the first half of the season has been nothing short of astounding.
That body of work has certainly attracted attention. Not only had Ohtani been voted in as the starter at DH, but he was also named to the All Star Game as a pitcher, becoming the first player to ever be an All Star on both sides of the ball.
Shohei Ohtani was named to the AL All-Star roster as a pitcher also. He was voted by the players as a pitcher and by the fans as a DH.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 4, 2021
Still TBD if he will actually pitch in the game. #Angels
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani makes All Star Game history
Even though Ohtani is not a given to pitch in the All Star Game, he almost has to. Fans around the globe will be tuning in to watch a player the likes of which has not been seen for generations. They will want to see Ohtani take his turn in the batter’s box and on the mound.
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There has been no question about Ohtani’s production this season. He has put together an incredible 2021 campaign as the Angels’ DH, with a .278/.366/.704 batting line on the year, hitting a major league leading 31 homers while stealing 12 bases. That performance alone would be enough for Ohtani to be considered one of the top talents in the majors.
But there is far more. He has shaken off a slow start to the season where his command was not where he would have wanted it to be one of the better pitchers in the game. He has produced a 3.60 ERA and a 1.267 WHiP over his 60 innings, striking out 83 batters with 35 walks as he has begun to emerge as the Angels’ ace.
It really should not be a surprise that Ohtani has made history as the first player to be voted into the All Star Game as both a position player and a pitcher. He has accomplished feats that have not been seen in decades, while excelling in every possible facet. His place on the All Star roster, in both aspects, is well deserved.
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Shohei Ohtani has added another first to his resume. The Los Angeles Angels star is the first player to make the All Star Game as a position player and a pitcher.