Shohei Ohtani is often referred to as a “modern-day Babe Ruth,” and for good reason. A unique and unparalleled talent in the world of baseball, Ohtani has captured the attention of fans across the globe due to his dual-threat abilities—dominating both as a pitcher and a hitter. His talent seems almost superhero-like, and his impact on the game has been nothing short of extraordinary. However, despite his widespread fame, there are many fascinating and lesser-known facts about Shohei Ohtani that even the most dedicated baseball fans might not know. Here are 15 interesting facts about the “Japanese Babe Ruth.”

1. Ohtani’s Two-Way Ability Was Identified Early

From a young age, Shohei Ohtani was identified as a rare two-way player, capable of excelling both on the mound and at the plate. His high school coach, Hiroshi Sasaki, was the first to realize Ohtani’s potential as both a pitcher and hitter. Sasaki was so certain of Ohtani’s unique talent that he encouraged the young player to pursue both paths instead of forcing him to choose one. Ohtani’s early commitment to both hitting and pitching laid the foundation for his extraordinary career.

2. He Was an Elite High School Pitcher and Hitter

During his time at Hanamaki Higashi High School in Japan, Ohtani was already a phenomenon. As a pitcher, he hit a fastball that exceeded 100 mph (161 km/h), a speed rarely seen from high school players, even in Japan. He was also a prolific hitter, hitting a .500 batting average during his final year in high school. Ohtani’s incredible talent led to him being drafted first overall in the 2012 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) draft, where he quickly rose to prominence.

3. Ohtani Chose MLB Over NPB

Ohtani’s transition to Major League Baseball was not an easy decision. In 2017, after years of speculation, Ohtani made the bold choice to bypass a career in Japan’s NPB and pursue his dream of playing in the MLB. Many believed he could dominate in the NPB, but Ohtani was determined to test himself at the highest level. His decision paid off, as he signed with the Los Angeles Angels, and his career in the MLB has been nothing short of a success.

4. His 100-MPH Fastball Was Just the Beginning

Ohtani’s pitching repertoire is as impressive as his ability to hit. His fastball regularly hits the 100-mph mark, but it’s his arsenal of off-speed pitches that has helped him become one of the most dominant pitchers in the MLB. Ohtani boasts a devastating splitter and a slider that leave batters confused and unable to make solid contact. His pitching talent alone would make him an All-Star, but he pairs it with the ability to hit 40-plus home runs each season, creating an unparalleled combination of skills.

5. He Has a Special Relationship with His Father

Shohei Ohtani’s father, Toru Ohtani, played a significant role in his development. Toru, a former baseball player himself, pushed Shohei to develop his dual-threat abilities from a young age. He would often throw batting practice to Shohei and encourage him to practice both pitching and hitting. Their father-son relationship is central to Shohei’s career, and Toru has been a constant source of support for his son as he has navigated the challenges of professional baseball.

6. He Doesn’t Speak English Perfectly, but He’s Trying

While Shohei Ohtani is one of the most famous Japanese baseball players in the MLB, he has made a concerted effort to learn English to communicate with his teammates and fans. Although his English is not perfect, Ohtani is known for taking language lessons and attempting to improve his proficiency. His efforts have endeared him to both teammates and fans, as they recognize the challenges of navigating life and a professional career in a foreign language and culture.

7. Ohtani Is a Baseball Fan, Too

While most people think of Ohtani as a player, he is also an avid fan of the game. Growing up, he admired players like Ichiro Suzuki and admired their work ethic and commitment to excellence. Ohtani has said that his passion for baseball has always been rooted in his love of the sport and his admiration for other players. In fact, Ohtani often spends his downtime watching games or studying film, learning new techniques that he can apply to his own play.

8. He’s an Extremely Humble Superstar

Despite being a global sports icon, Ohtani is known for his humility. He rarely seeks the spotlight and often downplays his individual achievements, instead focusing on the success of his team. This humble attitude has earned Ohtani respect from both his teammates and opponents. He also values his privacy, keeping much of his personal life away from the media, a rarity for a superstar of his caliber.

9. He Has a Special Bond with Mike Trout

Ohtani has formed a close relationship with his Los Angeles Angels teammate, Mike Trout, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. The duo has formed a potent 1-2 punch in the Angels’ lineup, and their mutual respect for each other’s talents has been evident. Ohtani has often spoken about the valuable mentorship he has received from Trout, while Trout has praised Ohtani’s unique skill set and dedication to the game.

10. Ohtani Is an Unlikely Fashion Icon

While Ohtani is often seen in his Angels uniform, he is also a rising fashion icon in Japan and internationally. Known for his polished, well-put-together appearance, Ohtani’s off-field style is often noted by fans and fashion critics alike. His look is understated yet stylish, and he has been seen attending various events, sporting high-end brands and making an impression on the fashion world.

11. Ohtani’s Nickname: “Shotani”

Shohei Ohtani’s nickname, “Shotani,” is a playful blend of his first name and the English word “shot.” It refers to his explosive abilities on the field, particularly his impressive pitching velocity and his powerful bat. The nickname has caught on with fans, especially in Japan, as a way to emphasize his dual-threat abilities and his powerful impact on the game.

12. He Embraced the DH Role in MLB to Stay Healthy

Ohtani’s decision to embrace the Designated Hitter (DH) role in the MLB was a necessary move to stay healthy and avoid overexerting himself. MLB teams generally have a DH for players who are not expected to play the field, and Ohtani often serves in this role when he is not pitching. This allows him to preserve his arm and energy for pitching while still contributing as a hitter. It’s a strategy that has worked well, as it enables him to remain both a potent batter and pitcher while minimizing the risk of injury.

13. He Was a Star in the 2021 World Baseball Classic

In the 2021 World Baseball Classic, Shohei Ohtani was a standout performer. Representing Japan, Ohtani put on a show, demonstrating his abilities on both the mound and at the plate. He dominated in multiple roles, and his performance helped lead Japan to a deep run in the tournament. It was a thrilling glimpse of Ohtani’s versatility on the global stage and further cemented his status as one of the most exciting players in baseball.

14. He Is a Master of Focus

One of Ohtani’s most underrated qualities is his ability to maintain focus under pressure. Whether he’s on the mound in a high-stakes game or facing an elite pitcher at the plate, Ohtani displays an uncanny ability to stay calm and perform at the highest level. His concentration, combined with his intense work ethic, is a big part of what makes him successful in both pitching and hitting.

15. Ohtani’s Popularity Is Global

Shohei Ohtani’s appeal extends far beyond the United States or Japan. He has a massive global following, with fans from all over the world praising his skill, determination, and unique abilities. His popularity has helped elevate the profile of baseball internationally, especially among younger audiences who see him as a role model. Ohtani’s ability to connect with fans worldwide is a testament to his impact on the game and the universal love of his extraordinary talents.

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Shohei Ohtani is not just a baseball player—he’s a phenomenon. His incredible abilities as both a pitcher and a hitter have redefined what is possible in modern baseball, and his legacy is still being written. Whether it’s his humble attitude, his unique skill set, or his impact on the sport, Ohtani will be remembered as one of the most exceptional talents to ever play the game.