UPDATE: High school baseball players across the United States are feeling an electric surge of inspiration following Shohei Ohtani’s stunning performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Sunday, where he hit three home runs and struck out ten batters in a decisive win for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Milwaukee Brewers.
This historic achievement is not just turning heads; it is reshaping aspirations among young athletes who wish to emulate Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities as both a pitcher and hitter. “It’s definitely inspiring to know it’s possible to do both at the next level,” said Jared Grindlinger, a junior pitcher and outfielder from Huntington Beach. He expressed admiration for Ohtani’s ability to excel under pressure, stating, “It’s pretty crazy to do, especially as the leadoff hitter, to strike out three, then hit a home run. He doesn’t have time to regroup.”
Grindlinger, widely considered one of the top two-way players in the Southland, is already throwing fastballs in the 90s and showing impressive power as a member of the class of 2027. He has been closely studying Ohtani’s journey, noting that even the superstar faces struggles. “It’s good to know you’re going to fail and bounce back and it’s going to be all right,” he added.
Other young athletes are echoing Grindlinger’s sentiments. Joshua Pearlstein, an All-City outfielder and pitcher at Cleveland, described his shock at witnessing Ohtani’s multifaceted talent on television. “It’s inspiring to me,” Pearlstein said. “I think the biggest challenge is working on both at practice. It’s a challenge, but I’m up for that challenge.” Pearlstein has taken cues from Ohtani’s high school days in Japan, where the star dedicated himself to rigorous training. “It inspires me to work at home to achieve the same goals he has reached,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Carlos Acuna, a sophomore pitcher and shortstop at Birmingham, is also embracing Ohtani’s influence. As a diehard Dodgers fan, he stated, “It’s awesome. That’s who I want to be like as a pitcher and hitter.”
However, coaches face unique challenges when managing two-way players. As Freddie Freeman, Dodgers first baseman, noted, “You kind of veer toward one avenue as you get older. But you’re starting to see more at the college level potentially letting guys [do both] because of Shohei, which is really cool because he’s changing the game.” Freeman emphasized the demanding nature of Ohtani’s routine, highlighting the commitment required to excel in both disciplines.
Grindlinger recognizes the delicate balance between pitching and hitting in practice. “I get to do my pitching stuff first, then my hitting stuff afterward,” he explained. “Sometimes I can’t do heavy lifting because I have a bullpen day. It’s definitely a challenge but a fun one.”
The wave of enthusiasm generated by Ohtani’s remarkable performance is prompting more young players to consider the dual-role path, igniting a new generation of athletes eager to pursue greatness in baseball. As these aspiring stars train with renewed vigor, they carry with them the hope of achieving their own legendary moments, much like Ohtani has done on the world stage.
Stay tuned as more high school athletes look to follow in the footsteps of this baseball phenomenon, showcasing the profound impact of Ohtani’s groundbreaking achievements on the sport.
