Is Paul Skenes Shohei Ohtani’s Shadow? Rising Star’s Two-Way Dream Revealed in Rare Documentary Footage

A fascinating parallel has emerged between baseball’s newest phenom, Paul Skenes, and its reigning superstar, Shohei “The Unicorn” Ohtani. NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s 2022 documentary, “SHOHEI OHTANI: A Baseball Virtuoso,” now available globally with Spanish subtitles, unearthed footage of a young Skenes expressing his admiration for Ohtani and his own two-way ambitions.

“He is special!” exclaimed Skenes in the documentary, recounting watching Ohtani pitch a near no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners, only to nearly be struck by an Ohtani home run days later. “Two-way players, in high school and college… something to work for, that we’ll be able to do it, potentially, at the big league level.” This footage, predating Skenes’ rise to prominence, paints a vivid picture of his early aspirations.

Fast forward to Skenes’ MLB debut season, where he faced Shohei Ohtani in a much-anticipated matchup of the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. The rookie struck out the two-way phenom in their first at-bat, unleashing a 100+ mph fastball. Yet Ohtani responded with a towering two-run homer in their next encounter. This duel encapsulated the potential and challenge of Skenes’ aspirations to emulate Ohtani’s unique path.

NHK’s documentary delves deep into Ohtani’s journey. From his early days in Japan, where he declared, “I want to do something that no one has ever done,” to his current MLB superstardom, the film offers exclusive interviews and footage. The audience learns more about Ohtani’s rigorous training, his father’s influence on this legendary career he has made for himself, and the journey of his recovery from injuries. It’s a 360-degree captivating look at a player who keeps on defying expectations.

But, for Paul Skenes, that very same documentary could serve as a roadmap. While the ace is currently focused on pitching his best balls to terrorize even some of the most prolific hitters across MLB, he’s openly expressed his longing for his college days, where he also played catcher and hit with a .410 average in his freshman year. He’s even joked about trying to convince his minor league manager of his catching abilities. Could it be that Paul Skenes truly becomes a two-way player like Shohei Ohtani? 

Yes, in Skenes’ freshman year, it definitely looks like a long shot—but as the documentary reveals, this dream isn’t new, and it’s definitely not unachievable. Multi-athleticism is a different matter, but having multi-talentedness in the same sport is a deeply ingrained aspiration that fuels both of these superstars’ drives. Even if the young one primarily focuses on pitching, his past experiences clearly suggest that he could contribute in several other ways.

Shohei Ohtani’s legacy inspires a new generation of prospective two-way stars like Paul Skenes

The Pirates, who drafted Skenes first overall, will now have a unique prospect in their hands. Their favorite ace of diamonds is not just another flame-throwing pitcher with a devastating fastball—he’s a player with a multi-faceted skill set and the ambition to redefine what’s possible beyond the boundaries of the bullpen.

Ohtani’s journey, as documented by NHK WORLD-JAPAN, offers a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a two-way player. For Skenes, it’ll remain a source of inspiration and a reminder that his dream, while audacious, is not entirely unprecedented; as he told Pat McAfee, “Nobody ever believes me when I tell them that I was a catcher, but I think I miss that just as much as I miss hitting.” Whether the Pirates will indulge his desire to play multiple positions remains uncertain. But the documentary’s revelation certainly adds a new layer of what-ifs to his already captivating story.

As Skenes continues his ascent, the baseball world will be watching closely. Can he carve his own path while drawing inspiration from Ohtani’s groundbreaking achievements? Or will he remain in the superstar’s shadow, forever linked by a shared dream? For now, to quench your thirst for knowledge on the Unicorn, “SHOHEI OHTANI: A Baseball Virtuoso” is available to be watched on NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s VOD service and across various other online platforms, offering a glimpse into the intertwined stories of two remarkable athletes, each with the potential to reshape the game they love.