Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — Some people just can’t accept the gift that is Shohei Ohtani. While Ohtani’s remarkable talent has captivated fans globally, a growing theory questions the legitimacy of his historic accomplishments. Some internet cranks have started to speculate that MLB may have manipulated the balls used during key moments of Ohtani’s season to help him break records, suggesting that his achievements may not be as authentic as they seem.
One of the most controversial accusations surrounds Ohtani’s record-breaking 50th home run, which he hit during a historic game where he went six for six with three home runs, becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-home run and 50-stolen-base season. According to journalist Craig Mish of the Miami Herald, the fan who caught the record-breaking 50th home run ball opted to keep it, a decision many fans understood due to the potential millions of dollars the ball could be worth. The controversy stems from the fact that MLB had pre-authenticated this particular ball before Ohtani hit it, meaning it was marked and tracked before the game even began.
This isn’t the first time MLB has pre-authenticated baseballs for significant moments. A similar approach was taken when Aaron Judge chased his 62nd home run and when Albert Pujols aimed for 700 career home runs. In Judge’s case, researchers discovered that many of the baseballs used during his home run chase in August, September, and October 2022 were special “Goldilocks balls.” These balls were described as being not too heavy, not too light, but “just right,” possibly designed to help ensure historic home runs.
While the theory that MLB manipulates balls for record-breaking moments isn’t proven, it has gained traction in some dark corners of the internet. Fans now question whether the balls used during Ohtani’s games were similarly altered to enhance his chances of breaking records. The claim is further fueled by Ohtani’s own comments after breaking the record. He expressed a desire to “get it over with as soon as possible” because the baseballs were being swapped out each time he came to bat. This frequent exchange of balls could suggest MLB was carefully managing the situation.
This speculation touches on a broader concern about MLB’s inconsistency with the baseballs used in games. Over the years, there have been accusations that the league alternates between “dead” balls, which suppress home runs, and “juiced” balls, which increase offensive output. Some fans believe that MLB adjusts the balls depending on whether the league wants to favor hitters or pitchers, based on the upcoming class of free agents. If hitters dominate the market, the theory goes, MLB deadens the ball to lower offensive numbers and suppress salaries. Conversely, if pitchers are the top free agents, MLB could juice the ball to make them less effective and reduce their value.
While there is no concrete evidence proving that MLB tampered with Ohtani’s baseballs, the speculation is persistent. Fans are skeptical about the league’s transparency, especially since players have voiced concerns in the past about how the league handles the baseballs. Even with these doubts, many fans, including those who support Ohtani, continue to celebrate his extraordinary achievements.
However, a quick perusal of the stat line will throw cold water on that theory. If you look at 2023, when Shohei was toiling away for the lowly Angels with no magic ball switching going on, his at-bats per home run ratio was one dinger per 11.3 at-bats (44 home runs in 497 at-bats). In 2024, his ratio is actually HIGHER than it was last year (11.53 at-bats per long ball). The fact that Shohei has hit 53 home runs so far this year is simply a product of having more at-bats. As you recall, his 2023 season was shortened by the elbow injury that required surgery.
This season, playing almost every game, Ohtani has more than 100 additional at-bats to work with. If he can hit 44 in a season with one month cut off the end and no particular hoopla surrounding his plate appearances, it is not that surprising that he would hit an addition ten or so home runs in 2024. In fact, weird as it seems to say, Shohei is having a “normal” season at the plate. This year, what’s settting him apart is his decision to steal a ton of bags as well, something that can happen regardless of the level of juice in a baseball.
At the heart of this controversy is a deeper issue about how success is perceived in sports. Ohtani has become one of the most beloved figures in baseball, and with that success comes scrutiny. Some critics may be looking for ways to discredit Ohtani’s achievements simply because of his dominant presence in the game.
However, for most fans, the speculation surrounding MLB’s handling of the balls doesn’t diminish Ohtani’s greatness. The Japanese superstar remains a transformative figure in baseball, blending power, speed, and pitching prowess in a way that has never been seen before. Whether or not the league manipulated the baseballs, Ohtani’s unique skill set and relentless drive to succeed are undeniable.
Let’s face it. Whenever somebody is getting as much attention as Shohei, there are bound to be a few trolls who will take whatever scant evidence they can find and blow it up into a huge deal. You know the type I’m talking about– dudes living in their mom’s basement who can’t stomach that anything good has entered their miserable existence. In other words, Astros fans.
Note: I have to give credit to iTalk Studios for his great post on Youtube that alerted me to this controversy. Great reporting there.
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