Shohei Ohtani is the First Two-Way MLB All-Star

Ohtani has been honored as both a hitter and a pitcher.

Ohtani has been honored as both a hitter and a pitcher.

Last week, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels received the honor of being selected as the starting designated hitter for the American League’s upcoming All-Star game. Ohtani is an incredible batter, hitting .278/.367/.700 with 31 Home Runs, 66 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. However, batting isn’t the only tool in Ohtani’s belt; he’s also a phenomenal pitcher, with a 3.60 ERA, 1.267 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts. It’s because of this incredible record that, for the first time in MLB history, Ohtani has been chosen as both a designated starting hitter and a pitcher for the All-Star game.

“The guy’s going to participate in Home Run Derby, pitch in the game and hit in the game. That doesn’t happen like, ever,” said Angels manager Joe Maddon. “So this is the one time … even the non-baseball fan can really latch onto this and become interested.”

In 91 years of All-Star games, never has a player been chosen for two positions like this. Even one of the most legendary players of all time, Babe Ruth, only played as a pitcher, partially due to the fact that All-Star games weren’t a thing until around 20 years into his career.

Ohtani will be joined by five All-Star players from Boston and four players each from Toronto, San Diego, and Houston, among numerous single offerings from many other teams. The All-Star showcase game is scheduled for July 13 at Denver’s Coors Field.