Social media has been known for its amusing memes and a general disconnection from reality. However, there are instances where reality and memes intersect, and one such occurrence has been brought to us by the remarkable Shohei Ohtani. This extraordinary two-way baseball player for the Los Angeles Angels has been consistently achieving feats in Major League Baseball that haven’t been witnessed in decades or possibly ever. Even though the Angels have struggled to secure victories, Ohtani’s performances have been nothing short of extraordinary, prompting us to keep a keen track of his incredible season.
Opening Day, March 30 vs. Oakland A’s:
On the season opener, Ohtani showcased his versatility by both putting up an impressive performance on the mound and swinging the bat. Despite his team’s loss, Ohtani’s performance shone through, as he went six innings as a pitcher, allowing no earned runs while striking out ten batters. This outing marked the 26th time since 1901 that a pitcher achieved double-digit strikeouts with no runs allowed on Opening Day. Notably, it was the first time a pitcher’s team lost the game in such circumstances.
April 5 vs. Seattle Mariners:
Ohtani’s second start of the season against the Seattle Mariners was yet another demonstration of his all-around skills. On the mound, he pitched six innings, striking out eight batters and allowing one earned run. Additionally, Ohtani contributed to the offense by going 1-for-2 at the plate, including an RBI and a pair of walks. The Angels emerged victorious with a 4-3 win, giving Ohtani his first win of the season. However, it was his unique distinction of receiving a pitch clock violation as both a pitcher and a hitter in a single game that added a noteworthy touch to the evening.
April 7 vs. Toronto Blue Jays:
During the Angels’ home opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, both Ohtani and former MVP Mike Trout made their presence felt. Trout unleashed a mammoth home run that left everyone in awe, while Ohtani contributed with a single and a double. Strikingly, their combined hits were the only ones for the team that night, leaving the Angels on the losing end. This singular feat of the Angels having former MVPs record extra-base hits while the rest of the team struggled with no hits had not been seen since 1962 when the New York Yankees achieved something similar with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris.
April 8, Rocket City Trash Pandas vs. Chattanooga Lookouts:
Although not directly involving Shohei Ohtani, this particular game involving the Angels’ AA affiliate showed the far-reaching impact of Ohtani’s influence. The Rocket City Trash Pandas, known for their unique name, suffered a loss against the Chattanooga Lookouts despite not giving up a single hit. A disastrous final inning, featuring multiple walks and errors, allowed the Lookouts to score seven runs and snatch victory from the Trash Pandas’ grasp. This bizarre turn of events exemplified the influence of Ohtani and the Angels’ brand of baseball, albeit in a different league.
August 3 vs. Seattle:
In a game against the Seattle Mariners, Ohtani once again left spectators astonished with his exceptional skills. During the course of a 4-3 victory for the Angels, Ohtani achieved a rare combination of hitting a home run and stealing a base in a game that he started as a pitcher. Such a remarkable feat had not been seen since Mudcat Grant accomplished it in 1964. Ohtani’s performance highlighted his versatility and further solidified his place in baseball history.
August 7 vs. San Francisco:
Continuing his historic season, Ohtani etched his name in the record books with a feat against the San Francisco Giants. By stealing second base, he became the first player in MLB history to record 40 home runs and 15 stolen bases in a team’s first 115 games. The only other player to achieve a similar milestone within a team’s first 120 games was Ken Griffey Jr. in 1998. Ohtani’s consistency and exceptional statistics underlined his exceptional value to the Angels.
Shohei Ohtani’s performance this season has been nothing short of sensational. Whether it’s his dominant outings on the mound, clutch hitting, or record-breaking achievements, Ohtani has singlehandedly captivated baseball fans worldwide. Despite the struggles faced by the Angels as a team, his extraordinary abilities continue to redefine player expectations and excite fans with every game. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what more Shohei Ohtani can accomplish.
The Business Press 