Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — We all watched the game in Miami in disbelief. How could Shohei Ohtani be this good? His 6-for-6, three-homer, two-steal, ten-RBI performance just may have been the most dominant offensive performance in baseball history in a single game. Not only that, it was the very game where the stars aligned for Ohtani to break the mythical 50/50 plateau, making him the first player to hit 50 bombs (he now has 51) and swipe 50 bags (he also has 51 now) in one season. It was awe-inspiring. But players like Ohtani are not created in a vacuum. And, if we look back at Ohtani’s personal history, every moment, every step of the way, has prepared him for moments like we witnessed on Thursday in South Florida.
Early Years: A Passion for Baseball
Shohei Ohtani’s his journey to the top began in a small town in Japan. Born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Iwate Prefecture, Ohtani grew up in a sports-oriented family that encouraged his early interest in baseball. His father, Toru Ohtani, was an amateur baseball player, and his mother, Kayoko, was a competitive badminton player, which created an environment where athletics were a central part of family life. From a young age, Shohei’s talent on the diamond was evident, and his supportive family fostered his ambitions.
Ohtani started playing baseball at the age of three, under the guidance of his father. His love for the game grew as he played for his local team in Oshu. By the time he entered primary school, it was clear that Ohtani possessed extraordinary athletic ability. Unlike many children his age, Ohtani was already dreaming big, expressing a desire to become not just a professional baseball player but a pitcher and hitter capable of excelling in both aspects of the game. He was the classic yakyu shonen — a boy interested only in baseball.
As a young boy, he practiced with incredible discipline. His daily routine often involved throwing long distances to build arm strength and hitting off tees to perfect his swing. Ohtani was already standing out for his versatility and skill set, showing prowess in both pitching and hitting at an early age. His older brother Ryuta also played baseball, and Shohei looked up to him as a role model, often pushing himself to surpass his sibling’s achievements.
High School: The Road to Stardom
Ohtani attended Hanamaki Higashi High School in Iwate, a school known for its strong baseball program. It was during his high school years that his talent really began to attract attention. Ohtani was clocked throwing a fastball at 99 miles per hour by the time he was 17, a remarkable feat for someone his age. He dominated in local tournaments and earned a reputation as one of Japan’s top pitching prospects. Despite his success as a pitcher, Ohtani insisted on developing his skills as a hitter, making him a rare two-way player. He believed he could excel at both, which was unheard of at the professional level.
Ohtani’s high school coach, Hiroshi Sasaki, played a critical role in his development. Sasaki not only allowed Ohtani to pursue his dream of becoming a two-way player but also provided him with the structure and guidance to refine his raw talent. Sasaki introduced a rigorous training regimen that included extensive work on mechanics and physical conditioning, ensuring that Ohtani’s body could withstand the demands of both pitching and hitting.
In 2012, Ohtani made his mark on the international stage, representing Japan at the U18 Baseball World Championship in Seoul, South Korea. His fastball, already approaching triple digits, garnered the attention of scouts from Major League Baseball (MLB) teams, as well as Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). It was clear to everyone watching that Ohtani had the potential to become a star, and he faced a major decision about his future.
A Bold Decision: Japan or the MLB?
In 2012, Ohtani was heavily courted by MLB teams, including the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Many expected him to make the jump to America immediately, but Ohtani made a surprising choice: he signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s NPB. The decision allowed him to continue developing in his home country and, crucially, to maintain his goal of being a two-way player.
The Nippon-Ham Fighters promised to give Ohtani the opportunity to both pitch and hit, something no MLB team was willing to guarantee at the time. His decision paid off as Ohtani quickly rose to prominence in the NPB. In 2014, at just 19 years old, Ohtani became the first player in NPB history to be selected as both a pitcher and an outfielder for the All-Star Game. He continued to impress with his combination of power at the plate and dominance on the mound.
Transition to MLB: Becoming a Global Superstar
In 2017, Ohtani made the long-anticipated move to Major League Baseball, signing with the Los Angeles Angels. The transition wasn’t without challenges, as Ohtani faced injuries and skepticism about whether he could sustain a two-way career in the highly competitive MLB. However, Ohtani’s relentless work ethic and determination helped him adapt to the American game.
His breakout season came in 2021 when Ohtani was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). He achieved something no player had done since Babe Ruth—excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter at an elite level. Ohtani hit 46 home runs and recorded a 3.18 ERA in 23 starts as a pitcher, captivating baseball fans worldwide.
The Making of a Legend
Shohei Ohtani’s journey from a small town in Japan to becoming one of the most celebrated athletes in the world is a testament to his unparalleled talent, dedication, and ambition. His youth, marked by relentless practice, a supportive family, and bold decisions, set the stage for his rise to baseball stardom. Ohtani’s ability to excel in both pitching and hitting has redefined what’s possible in baseball, and his legacy is only just beginning to take shape.
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