The 2023 MLB season has been an exciting affair with every game bringing something for the fans to cheer. As it inches towards the playoffs, things are becoming interesting. Though fans hope their teams will make it to the finals, they will also have eyes on the multiple awards to follow including the MVP, where the projections are that Shohei Ohtani will win. It is all because of his brilliant skill that makes him a universal favorite, including the MLB analysts. But the situation was not the same when he faced rare criticism from Stephen A. Smith.

Given that Ohtani debuted in 2018, the player still uses a translator for official conversation. Because of this, he has been on the list of critics. The same happened when A. Smith criticized him for not learning English. His statement caused an uproar from the baseball community, and they left him with no support and had to apologize. But years later, he finally has some support from an NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Stephen A. Smith Termed Ohtani Unideal for the League

While language serves as a means of connection, its role in sports is not always absolute. Shohei Ohtani, who never speaks English, has joined with baseball fans without any problem. Although he continues interpreting his feelings, it does not stop them from sharing their love for the player.

When Stephen A. Smith termed Ohtani unideal for the league because of the language barrier, fans were unhappy. They showed their displeasure and related it with a bias against the nonnative community. American sportscaster asked forgiveness over his controversial remarks. But his remarks have resurfaced as Ohtani continues to take the number one spot in the league but still loses a big deal.

Notably, Smith remarked, “But when you talk about an audience gravitating to the tube or the ballpark to watch you, I don’t think it helps that the No. 1 face is a dude that needs an interpreter so you can understand what the hell he’s saying, in this country.” He added, “ It contributes to harming the game to some degree”. 

Though initially, this statement found no support, does the Michael Jordan’s move of signing Aaron Judge prove that Ohtani did not deserve to be number 1 in the MLB?

Shohei Ohtani Loses Out Number 1 Spot to Aaron Judge

It has been a battle between Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge for the past few seasons. The two American League stars have ruled over the league with their exploits. But it has also made them two competitors for the number one spot. Because of it, all eyes have remained on the AL MVP award. Though Judge defeated Ohtani in 2022, the contest has been one-sided this season. Sho-time’s performances have made him the sole star, expected to win multiple awards this season.

Watch this story–Shohei Ohtani Joins Just 1 Other MLB Icon in Elite Company With Yet Another Staggering Performance.