Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani (大谷 翔平, Ōtani Shōhei; born July 5, 1994) is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.

Ohtani was dubbed “Japan’s Babe Ruth” by media outlets due to his prowess as both a pitcher and a power hitter. As an NPB player, he won two Pacific League MVP awards—the first ever given to one player in consecutive years—and led the league in wins twice before joining MLB prior to 2018 season. In 2019, Ohtani became only the third player since 1914–1917 to hit 20 home runs and pitch 50 innings or more during a single regular season.

In addition to being named American League Rookie of the Year after his debut season with Angels – when he posted 3–2 pitching record while batting .285/.361/.564 with 22 homers – Ohtani has also made two All-Star appearances so far in 2020 & 2021 respectively. Off field, he received numerous recognitions such as The Sporting News’ Player of Decade award for 2010s which acknowledged his accomplishments at both sides of plate during decade long career thus far across Japan & USA leagues combined alongwith other various individual accolades including Silver Slugger Award & DHL Delivery Man Award etc.,

Despite playing through several injuries throughout 2019/2020 seasons like sprained UCL ligament on throwing elbow that required Tommy John Surgery followed by strained flexor pronator mass muscle near same elbow plus left calf strain – all suffered within span of few months – ,Ohatni battled back valiantly everytime eventually fully recovering from each setback befittingly earning respect among peers around Majors who admired him highly for resilient approach towards setbacks coupled with dedication displayed righteously leading up return once again closely resembling what earned him initial fame upon arrival stateside initially back before ’18 campaign began..