Years Before His 2 Unanimous MVP’s, Shohei Ohtani Cherished a Landmark Moment He Will Never Forget

Shohei Ohtani stepped into the realm of MLB back in 2017. After starring in NPB and Pacific League games, he proceeded to make his US debut. Renowned as a two-way enigma for most of his career, Ohtani had always intended to turn out as such. And his principles are a big part of his success.

Shohei Ohtani is known for his dedication to the diamond, which ranged from living a monk-like life to choosing training over a pricey draft offer. Boasting Rookie of the Year, two unanimous American League MVPs, and multiple Silver Sluggers, his list of achievements goes on. In all the years of being on the ground, he has made innumerable memories. One of them, which took place before his AL MVP stints, seems to have had a longstanding effect on his mind.

Shohei Ohtani: A legacy of his own

Shohei Ohtani was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels six years ago. Upon entering, he made a mark on the stadiums of MLB with his elite hitting and pitching techniques. And in his first game against the Oakland Athletics, he made his first hit that will forever stay etched in his memory.

Ohtani was facing off against then-Athletics pitcher Kendall Graveman in the game that was held on March 29th. It took less than 30 seconds for the Japanese sensation to hit a single off the right-handed pitcher. The move was crucial in summing up a score of 6-5 across 11 innings. Apparently, it was more than a first move for Ohtani. Why, could one ask?

Shohei Ohtani revealed in an Orange County interview later, “That’s probably an at-bat I’m not going to forget for the rest of my life.” The rest of the team was likely overshadowed by the one-of-a-kind two-way performer’s first move in MLB’s history. The man always knows how to put on a show, and one of 2023’s performances proved to be no different.

Shohei Ohtani’s famous complete-game shutout

On July 27, 2023, Ohtani was playing against the Detroit Tigers as a member of the visiting team. In a game that emerged to be one of the best performances of 2023, Ohtani threw his career’s first complete-game shutout, but he didn’t stop there. He hit two home runs in the same game, further solidifying his stance as a two-way phenomenon.

Read More: Years Before His MLB Superstardom, Shohei Ohtani Amazed Onlookers With His Practice Displays

Shotime is all set to return to the diamond in the next season as a hitter. His next destination has been the talk of the town, with no end in sight yet.

Watch This Story: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dream: Before Injury, He Always Wanted Both!