Shohei Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP and renowned Shohei Ohtani two-way baseball star, is set to appear in his fifth straight All-Star game on Tuesday in Atlanta. Speaking ahead of the Midsummer Classic, the Japanese phenom shared insights into his baseball journey during an interview on the Pat McAfee Show.

Ohtani recalled how his early baseball dreams began in Japan before expanding to a desire to compete in the Major Leagues.

“I initially grew up watching professional baseball in Japan because I wanted to be an NPB player first,” Ohtani told McAfee via his interpreter Will Ireton (2:30 onwards). “But then as I started watching more Major League Baseball, my dream grew and I really wanted to play in the big leagues.”

Transformation from a Thin Young Player to a Two-Way MLB Sensation

Since debuting with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani has amazed fans and analysts alike with his rare ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter. When asked about his physical development that supports his two-way skill set, he revealed a drastic change from his younger self.

“I grew up pretty thin and I was not the way I look right now. So I worked out a lot and I ate a lot and this is how I became.”

Ohtani’s Hitting Skills Surpassed His Pitching in Early Years

Baseball legend John Smoltz has remarked that Ohtani might be the best pitcher in MLB if he focused solely on that position. However, Ohtani contradicted this by disclosing that his hitting ability was stronger during his youth and that pitching came later as a skill he developed over time.

“I feel like I was more talented as a hitter growing up,” Ohtani said on the Pat McAfee Show. “And it was hard for me to pitch actually. So I feel like I’m more of a hitter who learned how to pitch more than a pitcher learning how to hit.”

This season, Ohtani will pitch against the American League starter and reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, setting the stage for a notable duel between two of baseball’s top performers.

Looking Ahead to Ohtani’s Role in the All-Star Game

Though Ohtani has both hit leadoff and started as the AL pitcher in previous All-Star games, he is unlikely to pitch this year since the National League’s starting pitcher is Paul Skenes. Ohtani’s participation, however, continues to attract attention due to his extraordinary status as a two-way player and his impact on baseball fans worldwide.

His journey from a slender youth in Japan to a dominant two-way MLB star highlights a unique combination of talent, hard work, and adaptability that continues to redefine the sport.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?

A. Shohei Ohtani is the sole person in the 50/50 club.