Shohei Ohtani named to Time Top 100 Most Influential People

Shohei Ohtani has been a force of nature this season. The Los Angeles Angels two way star is finally healthy and has been proving the doubters wrong all season. Not only has he provided a blend of power and speed that few in the game can match, but Ohtani has also emerged as the Angels’ ace, showing that those lofty expectations when he first came stateside were actually underselling his potential.

Given Ohtani’s performance this season, it is not a surprise that people outside of baseball have begun to pay attention. He has been named to Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People list, joining various politicians and celebrities.

Shohei Ohtani could be just with Major League Baseball needs

Major League Baseball has been desperate to find some way to appeal to the younger crowd and generate more interest in the game. Rob Manfred’s ridiculous rule changes have been geared towards attracting new fans, but has done more to generate angst amongst the current fans than to bring people to the game.

However, MLB has a gift in Ohtani that can do exactly that. He is performing at a level that has not been seen since Martin Dihigo, dominating on the mound and in the batter’s box. He has been a complete game changer, a player who fascinates even the stars already in the majors.

And it is easy to understand why. Heading into Wednesday, he had produced a 157 OPS+ with 44 homers and 23 steals in his 559 plate appearances. Meanwhile, he has a 9-2 record with a 3.36 ERA and a 1.118 WHiP over his 115.1 innings, striking out 136 batters with 36 walks. Not only was he the starting pitcher of the All Star Game, but he also batted leadoff and participated in the Home Run Derby.

Ohtani already has the eye of the younger kids. He was mobbed at the Little League Classic, with every kid wanting to meet the Angels’ superstar. He took the time to sign for every one of them, giving each kid the type of experience that they will remember forever.

That is the type of player that will draw fans to the game. The better he performs, the more fascinating he will be, and the more eyes that will be upon him. His place on the Time 100 Most Influential People list only further proves that Ohtani can be exactly what the league needs.

Shohei Ohtani was named to the Time 100 Most Influential People list. This may not be the only time the Los Angeles Angels’ star finds himself included.