For Shohei Ohtani, out of all of the jaw-dropping, historic moments he created during his unforgettable 2021 season with the Los Angeles Angels, one game from the very start of the year is what left the biggest impression on MLB’s biggest star.
“I think the game where the designated hitter rule was forfeited was big,” Ohtani said Monday, referring to hitting for himself as the pitcher against the Chicago White Sox on April 4. “I think it was important for everyone to start without apprehension in one of the first games. Being able to have a good, balanced start was big.”
The 27-year-old two-way star, who is favored to be named American League MVP later this month, fielded questions at the Japan National Press Club for about an hour on Monday in his first public appearance since returning to Japan after the 2021 MLB season.