Shohei Ohtani continues to be rewarded for changing Major League Baseball
Sep 26, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) hits / Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Shohei Ohtani changed the game in his historic season this year with the LA Angels.
In what was likely the best season in baseball history, ShoTime took home the AL MVP with ease and etched his name into the history books seemingly every night. He was dominant as a pitcher, starting 23 games (9-2 record) while posting a 3.18 ERA. He was dominant as a baserunner, stretching eight doubles into triples (tied for the Major League lead) and stealing 26 bases while being named the fastest baserunner in the AL according to his peers.
However, that was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to who Ohtani was. He was better at hitting than anything. He was even rewarded for just how dominant he was at the plate on Sunday, as he won the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.
Edgar Martinez changed the game. It's why even AL West rival fans like Angel fans even have respect for him. Shohei changed the game too, and it's why he's so deserving of the award.
Shohei Ohtani was arguably the most feared hitter in baseball this season.
Shohei Ohtani was about as good as it gets for the LA Angels this year. He hit .257/.372/.592 (.965 OPS) this season, while clubbing 46 home runs. He scored 103 runs and drove in 100 (from the two-hole in the lineup).
His 158 OPS+ went to show just how much better he was than the competition. There was no DH even close to matching his level of production this season. It's why he was the shoe-in choice to start the All-Star Game as the AL's DH.
Not only did he start the game on the mound for the AL, but he was also the best DH in baseball to go along with that. Also playing many games in the outfield this season, Ohtani really did change the game.
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Martinez was one of the most influential players in baseball history. Ohtani is right there with him now after how his season put the game on notice.