How MLB Twisted Rules in 2021 to Allow Shohei Ohtani a Special Mid-Season Privilege Never Seen Before

The Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani takes the crown of the most talented player in the modern MLB world. It’s all due to his pitching and batting skills, which make him a generational talent. Not only do fans admire him, but also his counterparts, including the managers. Because of it, the two-way phenomenon has become the face that has forced changes to the normal scenes. It was visible when the MLB followed the Angels to amend its rules for the Japanese star.

Given that the rules are paramount in the success of any league, which comes with a proper completion. For that, keeping the rules similar to all is necessary. But with Ohtani, everything changes. Angels was the first recipient of this change, followed by MLB. The book Sho-time: The Inside Story of Shohei Ohtani and the Greatest Baseball Season Ever Played, gives the detailed insight that changed MLB history.

When Shohei Ohtani changed the shape of the League with his two-way fandom

The All-Star contest is a big event in the history of the league. The baseball world loves it. Because it gives different stars from different to play alongside. And whenever it happens, it shapes the history. The same was the story in 2021. Not only for another dominant display from the American League but the changes made by the MLB to accommodate Shohei Ohtani.

On page 18 Author Jeff Fletcher has addressed this incident. It reads, “Along the way, Ohtani became the first player ever selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and a hitter. In fact, Major League Baseball twisted its rules for the All-Star Game—just an exhibition, after all, to allow Ohtani to start the game as a pitcher and still stay in the game as a
designated hitter after he was done on the mound.” 

Given that it was never done before, many questioned the move. But Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner was on the other page. He said, “I think it’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime player we’re seeing right now. A generational player that people are going to talk about for a long time.”

Well, Turner’s words were true. After that, Ohtani has remained in the limelight and continues to get all the love. But it was not the first time rules were changed for the 2011 AL MVP.

When Angels Changed History For Ohtani

It happened in the 2021 season when the Angels designated Ohtani as DH. And there was no role for him beyond the plate. But the Angels changed it amending their 60-year-old history. They made DH Ohtani pitch and hit second for the April 4 game against the White Sox. It was a historic day in the history of baseball because it started the legacy of Ohtani as a two-way phenom.

Read More: Shohei Ohtani’s $500,000,000 Contract Hangs in the Balance After Selfless 2024 Decision

And years after it, there is no dip in it. Even the injuries seem to have no impact on it, even after all the rumors in the market. Though as Ohtani goes for free agency, it will be interesting to see which team would make changes to sign the prized star. Will there be any additions to the changes Ohtani has brought to the league since his debut? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.