Albert Pujols concluded his Major League Baseball career after 22 seasons, spending his initial 12 years with the St. Louis Cardinals before joining the Los Angeles Angels for the last 10 seasons, overlapping with Shohei Ohtani’s arrival. Pujols shared on the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB Network how Ohtani looked up to him when he first came to America in 2018, admiring his approach at the plate.

Pujols explained that during the early weeks of spring training, Ohtani observed him closely before asking about his unique batting technique, specifically the tip-toe and leg action Pujols incorporated. This observation led Ohtani to adjust his own swing mechanics after noticing difficulties with his high leg kick against breaking balls.

How Ohtani Adapted His Batting Style Inspired by Pujols

According to Pujols, Ohtani’s decision to adopt the tip-toe technique was a calculated adjustment after struggling to get his front foot down quickly enough to handle certain pitches. He noted that:

“I saw Shohei Ohtani follow me around the first two or three weeks of spring training and never asked me any questions until one day he came in the cage and he asked me about why I did the tip-toe,” Pujols said. “I was like, ‘Well, that’s that’s how I hit. That’s what I’ve been doing my whole career, especially with two-strikes, it just comes naturally.'”

“…And then all of a sudden Ohtani started doing it. I mean later on in that season, he started doing it because when he got to the league, he had a high leg kick. Yeah, and he was getting jammed. He didn’t get that front foot down in time, especially for the breaking ball. So he saw that he was struggling, and sooner or later he started doing that tip-toe.”

This willingness to study and adapt was an early indication of Ohtani’s dedication to mastering the league.

Pujols Commends Ohtani’s Ongoing Growth and Resilience

Pujols expressed respect for how Ohtani has continuously evolved beyond the physical, acknowledging his efforts to adjust off the field as well. He praised Ohtani’s dedication to learning the language, getting stronger, and embracing the demands of pitching every fifth or sixth day.

“It’s pretty impressive what he has done over the last six or seven years, the adjustment that he made not just with the language, but getting strong, learning the league and then getting on that mound every fifth or six days. It’s pretty special,” Pujols added.

This acknowledgment highlights how Ohtani’s journey reflects both talent and perseverance in a challenging environment for international players.

Overview of Ohtani’s Breakout Rookie Season and Career Achievements

Shohei Ohtani made an immediate impact in 2018, earning the American League Rookie of the Year award with a batting average of .285, 61 RBIs, 22 home runs, and a .925 OPS over 114 games. On the mound, he delivered a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA across 10 starts. His distinct high leg kick has since become a hallmark of his powerful swing.

Over his eight-year MLB career split between the Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani has produced a .282 batting average with 646 RBIs and 268 home runs, underscoring his rare ability as a two-way player.

Shohei Ohtani Faces Difficult Return as Dodgers Swept by Angels

Ohtani’s recent return to face his former team was challenging, as he and the Dodgers endured a three-game sweep by the Angels. In the third game, Ohtani pitched a season-high 4.1 innings, striking out seven but allowing four earned runs. The Dodgers ultimately lost 6-5 after their bullpen surrendered two runs late in the game.

Despite the pitching setback, Ohtani excelled offensively during the series, hitting two home runs and a triple. The sweep extended the Angels’ winning streak against the Dodgers to a franchise record seven games, pushing the Dodgers into second place behind the San Diego Padres in the NL West standings.

The Continuing Influence of Pujols on Ohtani’s Career Path

Albert Pujols’s reflection on the impact his style had on Shohei Ohtani underscores the profound influence veteran players can have on newcomers adjusting to the major leagues. Ohtani’s career admiration for Pujols helped fuel adjustments that contributed to his success as a two-way player, setting an example of mentorship and adaptation in professional baseball.

As Ohtani continues to perform at an elite level and overcome challenges, his journey remains a compelling story for fans and players alike, embodying the blend of talent, thoughtful adjustment, and respect for the game that Pujols highlighted in their shared time with the Angels.