Shohei Ohtani stands out as a rare talent in baseball, excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter at an elite level. This season, the Dodgers’ Japanese superstar continues to demonstrate his exceptional skills, batting .296 with 17 home runs and 31 RBIs, maintaining his reputation as the premier two-way baseball superstar.
In a different sport, Travis Hunter has gained similar recognition for his remarkable two-way abilities in football. The 22-year-old athlete, who plays both cornerback and wide receiver, secured the Heisman Trophy in 2024 and was chosen as the second overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL draft. Their performances highlight the rarity of players who can dominate multiple positions in highly demanding sports.
Joe Theismann Highlights the Mental Challenge of Excelling on Both Sides
Joe Theismann, a former Super Bowl champion, praised both Ohtani and Hunter for excelling in dual roles within their sports. He emphasized that the mental preparation required for success in baseball mirrors that of football, where understanding strategies and game situations is crucial.
“The preparation, you have to go through it. The practice, you have to go through it. There’s a mental side to baseball that I don’t think many people understand. You have to think your way through so many scenarios, and it’s the same thing in football. It’s really the mental aspect of the game that makes a difference in a lot of people.” Joe Theismann said, via ‘MLB Central’ on Sunday.
“A lot of guys have talent, a lot of guys are able to throw the ball, a lot of guys can hit the ball. But, how can you move the bat to get runs scored. It’s like 3rd and 5, are we gonna go for a shot or go for it on fourth down? It’s like at the plate, do we need to get a single to get a run, or can I take a shot at knocking one over the fence? It’s similar [for both sports].” Theismann added.
Dodgers’ Approach to Managing Ohtani’s Workload During Recovery
As Shohei Ohtani works through his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery, the Dodgers are carefully monitoring his return to pitching to preserve his extraordinary talents. Brandon Gomes, the Dodgers’ general manager, spoke about how the team is mindful not to overexert Ohtani, balancing his unique dual-role contributions while protecting his health.
“Shohei Ohtani is one of one, so it’s certainly trying to be mindful of all the factors, making sure we’re not losing a crucial part of our lineup, and layering up on workload upon workload,” Gomes said to MLB Network Radio. “So, a lot of it’s based on how Sho’s feeling and making sure we’re not pushing it too hard.”
Ohtani’s successful batting performance, which earned him the National League MVP award in 2024, remains a critical aspect of the Dodgers’ strategy as they carefully manage his pitching workload. Maintaining his hitting effectiveness while gradually reintroducing his pitching duties is essential to the team’s long-term competitiveness.
The Lasting Impact of Dual-Role Athletes in Sports
The remarkable abilities of Shohei Ohtani and Travis Hunter illustrate how rare and valuable two-way players are in the world of professional sports. Their talents challenge conventional notions about specialization, highlighting the mental and physical demands required to thrive in multiple roles. As Ohtani returns to form, the Dodgers’ careful management will play a vital role in sustaining his contributions on the field. Similarly, Hunter’s early success in the NFL suggests a promising career ahead as football embraces versatile athletes.