On Saturday, 21st September, Major League Baseball (MLB) sportscaster Bob Costas and analysts Brian Kenny and Mike Lowell were discussing the fact of how remarkable Shohei Ohtani has been in the sport. The crux of that debate was for the Baseball Hall of Fame, which was based on Ohtani's eligibility and his current status.
How is a player included in the Hall of Fame?
To be included in the Hall of Fame, a player needs to have played 10 years in the big league. He should be retired for at least five years and must get approval from the screening committee.
Shohei Ohtani is having a remarkable season after he scripted history by reaching 50-50. He achieved this feat by stealing two bases and hitting three home runs in the victory over the Miami Marlins. On top of it, the 30-year-old even registered a hit in each of his six at-bats.
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In Saturday's edition of the MLB Now, Costas and Lowell discussed that Ohtani has already achieved enough in his time in MLB to be included in the Hall of Fame. Costas said, "Even if there's a marked downturn (in Shohei Ohtani's performance), yeah I think (that he makes the Hall of Fame). You gotta play 10 years, he's played seven, what's gonna stop it?"
Lowell said, "We thought he was going to be an elite pitcher and a pretty good hitter. He's been the best hitter in the league and a pretty good pitcher. I think if he stopped playing right now, he'd get serious Hall of Fame consideration."
The Japanese international is yet to take the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers as he is recovering from surgery for a torn Ulnar Collateral Ligament injury. The injury that Ohtani sustained does affect one's pitching motion but not swinging of the bat. Due to this, Ohtani is currently playing as a hitter.
It is expected that Ohtani will not pitch again this season and somewhere in the next season, it is expected that he will start pitching.
Shohei Ohtani reached 52-52 as Dodgers beat the Rockies
On Friday, 20th September, Los Angeles Dodgers defeated Colorado Rockies 6-4 as the Blues opened their account of the latest series with a win. Dodgers have already secured a playoff spot and are eyeing the NL West division title.
Ohtani in the game against Rockies did what he does best as he hit his 52nd home run and stole his 52nd base of the season. He has a batting average of .297 and 122 RBIs.
Both Ohtani and the Dodgers will be eyeing to clinch the series against the Rockies on Saturday, 21st September.
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