Shohei Ohtani: The Japanese Babe Ruth
The Shohei Ohtani Phenomenon: A New Era of “Shotime” Baseball
“He’s the Japanese Babe Ruth.”
That was the first description I ever heard of Shohei Ohtani back in February 2017 while on assignment for NBC News in Peoria, Arizona. As a baseball fan, I couldn’t resist a detour to the Peoria Sports Complex, the Spring Training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. I knew Major League players would soon be arriving, and with any luck, I might catch a glimpse of a future star.
When I arrived at the complex, I found a large crowd of photographers and reporters gathered around one player tossing the baseball. Curious, I approached a photographer and asked who they were covering. He turned to me and said, “That’s Shohei Ohtani; he’s the Japanese Babe Ruth.” I smiled and walked away, thinking nothing more of the comment as I took a few pictures of my own. At that moment, Ohtani was just another name, an intriguing player from Japan who might one day make a splash in MLB.
But by December 9, 2017, Ohtani’s career would explode into the American sports world when he signed with the LA Angels. The headlines were everywhere: Shohei Ohtani Signs with the Angels. I thought to myself, “Guess we’ll find out how the ‘Babe Ruth’ of Japan does against Major League pitching.”
The Rise of Shohei Ohtani: A Modern Babe Ruth
Ohtani’s first season with the Angels in 2018 was nothing short of legendary. He pitched in 10 games and hit 22 home runs, joining Babe Ruth as the only player in history to hit 20 home runs and pitch in 10 games in a season. The comparisons to the Babe weren’t just a catchy phrase anymore; they were backed by actual, jaw-dropping statistics.
But Ohtani’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Despite battling injuries and playing for an underperforming Angels team, he still managed to earn the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year award. By 2021, Ohtani had already won two MVPs, proving that he could pitch and hit at an elite level. Yet, even as he garnered accolades, the Angels continued to falter, unable to build a competitive roster around Ohtani and co-superstar Mike Trout.
In 2023, after yet another frustrating season for the Angels, Ohtani became a free agent, and the excitement around his potential move reached new heights. After much anticipation, he signed a mind-boggling 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A New Era of “Shotime” Baseball
Ohtani’s signing with the Dodgers marked a new chapter, not just for him, but for the sport itself. Manager Dave Roberts compared Ohtani’s cultural impact to the Beatles. “I wasn’t around for the Beatles. I wasn’t around for Michael Jordan or the Lakers in the ‘80s. But I think what we’re witnessing will be close to that,” Roberts said. “I think it’s great for sports. I think it’s great for baseball.”
Ohtani’s arrival in LA made the Dodgers the center of the baseball universe. Every game they played was part of the global spectacle surrounding Ohtani—whether it’s fans donning #17 jerseys or crowds flocking to see him play in spring training.
The Pressure and Expectations
Shohei Ohtani’s arrival in Los Angeles has undoubtedly elevated the Dodgers to a level of prominence that goes beyond the baseball field. With the 2024 season behind us and the Dodgers clinching their much-anticipated World Series title, it’s clear that the stakes were as high as expected. Every game felt like a chance to witness history, and each win brought the Dodgers closer to their ultimate goal—a championship that had eluded them for years. With Ohtani leading the charge, the pressure to win was immense, and as one fan put it, “If the Dodgers don’t win it this year, it will be a waste of a billion dollars.”
Indeed, Ohtani’s presence in Los Angeles did not just raise the Dodgers’ profile but brought a new level of scrutiny on every aspect of his life. From his marriage to the curiosity about his personal life, Ohtani became more than just a baseball player—he became a global icon. His every move, on and off the field, was under the magnifying glass, as fans and media followed his every step, eager to learn more about this transcendent figure.
The Dodgers’ Star-Studded Lineup
The signing of Ohtani was a bold move, but one that made perfect sense for a franchise with the financial power and talent to spare. Ohtani joined a roster already brimming with stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, creating a formidable lineup that many feared. The 2024 season saw the Dodgers dominating not just with their star hitters but with Ohtani’s unrivaled two-way abilities. Facing a lineup that included Betts, Freeman, and Ohtani was a nightmare for any pitcher, and that strength proved to be a key factor in their World Series triumph.
The combination of Ohtani’s hitting and pitching skills alongside the Dodgers’ deep roster led to comparisons with baseball’s legendary “Murderers’ Row”—the 1927 Yankees lineup with Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Could the Dodgers with Ohtani build their own dynasty? The answer came resoundingly in the form of a World Series title. Ohtani’s impact on the Dodgers was undeniable, and as they hoisted the trophy, the only question left was how long this dynasty could last.
Ohtani and the Global Phenomenon
Ohtani’s influence stretches far beyond MLB. His unique two-way abilities have reshaped the global view of baseball, particularly in Japan, where he has become a symbol of hope and excellence. The “Ohtani-mania” that began during the 2017 World Baseball Classic only intensified with his success in MLB, culminating in his time with the Dodgers. Ohtani’s status as a global icon has brought international attention back to baseball, especially in Asia, where his every move is followed by millions. MLB’s embrace of Ohtani has been nothing short of a marketing triumph, positioning him not just as a player, but as a cultural ambassador for the sport.
With his World Series victory, Ohtani’s legacy only grew. In Japan, Ohtani’s triumph was celebrated like a national victory, solidifying his place as not just a great player but as a transformative figure for baseball around the world.
The Dodgers’ Big Gamble
From a financial perspective, Ohtani’s $700 million contract was one of the boldest moves in MLB history. The structure of the deal, which deferred most of the money, gave the Dodgers the flexibility to add more talent around Ohtani. This innovative financial strategy was a game-changer for the Dodgers, and it paid off in spades with their 2024 World Series victory.
However, Ohtani’s signing also highlighted the growing financial divide in baseball. With the Dodgers’ deep pockets, they were able to outspend most other teams, creating a sense of imbalance in the league. This raises the question of how smaller-market teams can compete when big-market teams can flex their financial muscle in ways that fundamentally reshape the sport.
The Pressure to Win
With all the money invested and the talent amassed, the pressure to win in 2024 was undeniable. The Dodgers had long been one of the best teams in baseball, but their playoff failures over the years had left them searching for the one thing that eluded them: a championship. Ohtani’s signing added even more weight to that pressure, but the Dodgers rose to the occasion. With a World Series under their belt, they proved that, with Ohtani leading the charge, they were able to meet the moment and deliver on their promises.
For a fanbase that had been waiting decades for a championship, 2024 was finally the year that validated all the high expectations. The Dodgers’ title run will go down as one of the most dominant in recent memory, and Ohtani’s presence was a key part of that success.
Ohtani Mania: A New Era of “Shotime”
As the Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory, one thing became clear: the Ohtani saga was far from over. With each game, the narrative grew, and the Dodgers are now positioned to dominate for years to come. Ohtani’s unique ability to impact both sides of the game has created a new paradigm in baseball. In Los Angeles, where the echoes of the ’80s Lakers Showtime era still resonate, Ohtani’s arrival has ushered in a new era of “Shotime.” But this time, it’s baseball that’s in the spotlight.
As the Dodgers bask in the glory of their championship, it’s impossible to ignore the massive impact Ohtani has had on the team and the sport. Los Angeles is no longer just the home of Hollywood—it’s the home of baseball greatness, thanks to Ohtani and the Dodgers’ legendary 2024 season.
