Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter and pitcher, set a personal record by delivering the fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mph during a game against the Kansas City Royals in late June. This display of velocity highlights Ohtani’s exceptional talent and continues to captivate Major League Baseball fans and analysts alike.
Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Pitch Surprises Dodgers
Ohtani’s ability to excel both at the plate and on the mound has long distinguished him as one of the sport’s most extraordinary players. Known for his power hitting, speed on the bases, and pitching prowess, Ohtani once again demonstrated his elite skill set by throwing a fastball that reached 101.7 mph in his recent start at Kansas City. This was the fastest pitch he has ever thrown in his career, catching even the Dodgers off guard.
“The Dodgers were stunned when he threw a 101.7 mph fastball, the fastest pitch of his career, during a recent start in Kansas City — it essentially came out of nowhere,”
wrote Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
It’s a testament to Ohtani’s nearly unmatched ability that such a pitch could still surprise his own team, considering his history of constant improvement and record-breaking performances.
Ohtani’s Ongoing Development and Health Raise Optimism
While the Dodgers have yet to decide how much they will rely on Ohtani as a pitcher throughout the season in order to preserve his health, his recent outing proves he is in strong form. The fact that he can reach these speeds without apparent strain is encouraging. Observers are hopeful that maintaining his well-being will allow Ohtani to continue pushing his limits.
This milestone pitch does more than reflect a moment of excellence; it signals the promising future potential for Ohtani. If he sustains this trajectory, there could be many more milestones ahead.
What This Means for the Dodgers and Baseball
Ohtani’s achievement adds to his legacy as one of the most dynamic players in baseball history, combining rare power and precision. The Dodgers now face the challenge of balancing his roles as both a designated hitter and pitcher while aiming to keep him healthy and effective over the long term. His ability to throw such a fast pitch gives the team a potent weapon and strengthens their competitive prospects.
As Ohtani continues to make headlines with feats like the 101.7 mph pitch, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how far he can push the boundaries of the game in the months to come.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. He and Ohtani are the only Dodgers to achieve this feat since 1901.
Ohtani is the first player in the 50-50 club because he was unique even at 43-43. To put the 50-50 accomplishment into perspective, his 51 home runs are the highest ever in a season with 50 steals in MLB history.