Getty
DENVER, COLORADO – JULY 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts in the first inning during the 91st MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Getty
DENVER, COLORADO – JULY 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts in the first inning during the 91st MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Following the footsteps of Japanese baseball legend, Ichiro Suzuki, Shohei Ohtani also stepped into Major League Baseball. Since his debut, the incredible two-way player has not only outclassed his icons, but has now broken several legendary records in 2021.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Notably, in the 2021 season, Ohtani put on a series of spectacular performances that earned him immense popularity. Courtesy of the same, stats now prove that he is the most popular baseball player in American states.
Shohei Ohtani bags top spot yet again
One of Ohtani‘s best seasons in his career so far, 2021 saw him get crowned as the most versatile player in the sport’s history. Notably, Shohei clinched a plethora of awards this year, including the most prestigious, the AL MVP 2021.
Getty
ANAHEIM, CA – SEPTEMBER 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks for an umpire to check his equipment after pitching in the first inning of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on September 19, 2021 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
From fans to his rivals, praises galore for the 27-year-old player, as he held the top positions in hitting as well as pitching. Despite being an outsider, Ohtani has taken over the popularity charts in American states. According to stats, Shohei is the ‘Most Popular Player by State.’
Ladies and Gentleman:
The United States of Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/56anGtBZW0
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) December 16, 2021
From Washington, California to Texas and Florida, Shohei was the most talked about. However, not to forget, while he is widely appreciated now, Ohtani has overcome a lot of criticism to reach these heights.
Ohtani believed in himself when many tried to pull him down
When Shohei started displaying his skills as a two-way player, many questioned his choice. Notably, before the Japanese star, baseball legend, Babe Ruth was the only two-way star in history. However, Ohtani continued working on his goals, and despite facing hurdles like injuries, and criticisms, he never lost hope.
Getty
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 28: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels takes the field for pregame warmups before the Angels take on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 28, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Against all odds in 2021, Shohei played phenomenally. He even outclassed Babe Ruth’s records to become the most versatile player in history. Although he has several accolades already, he is still craving to taste one particular victory.
Shohei is yet to display his class in the post-season, as his team, Los Angeles Angels failed to qualify this year. In the 2022 season, his goal will be to pave the way for his team to take a post-season flight. Do you think Los Angeles Angels will capitalize on his skills next season? If they do, the world will witness the iconic player’s astonishing skills in postseason 2022.
Read More: MLB Star Shohei Ohtani Refuses Japan’s National Honor- “Too Early”
