(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Anyone who has played sports knows that the impact of watching its best performer from up close can be lasting.
It’s hard to describe: it’s like watching the pinnacle of abilities and knowing the chances an average person has of reaching that level are slim.
That’s what people in the baseball industry feel about Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.
Every player who sees him live enters a state of awe.
It’s often inspiring.
Even Ohtani’s manager on the Angels, Phil Nevin, is aware of this.
When talking about it with The Athletic’s Sam Blum, he refers to it as the “wow factor”.
“Phil Nevin on Ohtani: ‘I think we come in here a lot to talk about it. It’s a wow factor. I think what’s cool is to watch new guys come in like (Mike Moustakas) and (Eduardo Escobar). And they see this and they’re in amazement. And we all are,’” Blum tweeted after a chat with Nevin.
Phil Nevin on Ohtani:
“I think we come in here a lot to talk about it. It’s a wow factor. I think what’s cool is to watch new guys come in like (Mike Moustakas) and (Eduardo Escobar). And they see this and they’re in amazement. And we all are.”
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) June 28, 2023
Those who have seen him this year have probably encountered the best version of Ohtani.
Yes, even better than what he did in 2021, when he won his first AL MVP award.
He leads the majors with 28 home runs, he is hitting .304, and he has a 3.02 ERA in 95.1 innings as a pitcher.
The guy is the league’s premier slugger and the Angels’ ace.
All while occupying one roster spot.
Most players wouldn’t even entertain the possibility of playing a dual role.
Ohtani not only does it, but he puts forth excellent numbers in both.
He is the most complete ballplayer to be born on planet Earth.
We would have to check, though, because we are not even sure he is from this world.
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