Almost every week, it seems that Shohei Ohtani is doing something that has not happened in generations. This time, the Los Angeles Angels two way star is on pace to do something that has not happened since 1876 – the first year of the National League.
As pointed out by the StatsBySTATS Twitter account, Ohtani currently leads the Angels in plate appearances and innings pitched. That has not happened in the majors since Jim Devlin led the Louisville Grays in both categories back in 1876.
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani matching infamous figure in MLB history
Devlin is a cautionary tale. He had pitched relatively well in the final year of the National Association but became a star during his first season in Louisville. Using a pitch he invented called the downshoot (the first sinker), he posted a 1.56 ERA and a 0.969 WHiP over his 622 innings, striking out a league leading 122 batters with 37 walks. He also posted a 115 OPS+ with 14 doubles in his 299 plate appearances.
He took another step to stardom in 1877. Although he again led the league in losses, he also led the league with 61 appearances, completing every outing. Naturally, he led the league once more with 559 innings, posting a 2.25 ERA and a 1.177 WHiP while striking out 141 batters with 41 walks. The 28 year old struggled at the plate, posting an 81 OPS+, but he was clearly more valuable for his arm.
His career ended after that season. There had been speculation that he was one of the members of the Grays that were throwing games down the stretch, their lead in the NL disappearing over the final weeks. He eventually confessed, claiming that the cheapness of team ownership led him to the arms of the gamblers, resulting in his being banned from the game. He would pass away from consumption six years later, riddled with gambling debts and leaving a wife and young son in poverty.
Now, 146 years later, someone might match what Devlin accomplished on the diamond before he fell in with gamblers. Ohtani has continued to impress in every facet, posting a 142 OPS+ with 27 homers and 11 steals in his 519 plate appearances. He has also posted a 2.83 ERA and a 1.099 WHiP in his 121 innings entering Saturday, striking out 167 batters with 32 walks. At just 28 years old, he is only getting better.
Shohei Ohtani is on the verge of making history again. The Los Angeles Angels two way star is on pace to match a feat last accomplished in 1876.