Shohei Ohtani shines on opening day with impressive numbers.

The first day of the baseball season is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a ritual that evokes deep emotions in fans, an anthem that resonates in the minds of those passionate about the sport. With the arrival of summer, baseball is reborn, bringing with it an emotional weight that transcends the mere act of watching a game.

At the heart of this passion is Shohei Ohtani, a phenomenon who has captured the attention of the sports world. His performances, worthy of an elite athlete, are not only impressive but also filled with numbers that speak for themselves. “Ohtani scored 146 runs last season,” stated an analyst, revealing the magnitude of his impact on the team. This achievement is not just remarkable; it is historic. To put it into perspective, no other player in the National League has surpassed 120 runs scored, with Juan Soto being the closest, but still far from Ohtani’s reach.

These 146 runs represent 17.7% of the total 825 runs scored by the Dodgers, a feat that only two players in the modern era have matched or exceeded. Craig Biggio, in 1997, and Sammy Sosa, in 2001, also scored 146 runs, but each contributed 18.8% to their respective totals. Additionally, Ohtani not only excelled in run scoring but has also become a formidable force in baseball history, with 280 runs scored over the last two years. Only one player, Jeff Bagwell, has surpassed that total in the last 80 years.

His 159 runs, including the postseason, place him in an exclusive tier, with only legends like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig having done better. “Shohei Ohtani led the majors in 2024 with 134 runs, and 148 if we include the postseason,” the analysis continued, highlighting his ability to shine in crucial moments.

Ohtani, who has established himself as a scoring machine, has become one of the best leadoff hitters in history, although his use in this position has not always been a logical decision. Interestingly, in the six years he spent with the Angels, he only occupied the leadoff spot 63 times. However, his rise to the top of the Dodgers’ lineup seemed to be an easy decision for manager Dave Roberts, especially after a series of questionable decisions in the previous management.

The critical analysis also raised questions about the choices made by Angels manager Phil Nevin, who, instead of placing Ohtani and Mike Trout in prominent positions, opted for players like Mickey Moniak and Taylor Ward. “It was a strange decision, considering that the goal is to maximize the opportunities for the best hitters,” reflected the analyst.

While many focus on home run statistics and Ohtani’s impressive performances, it is his ability to score runs that truly defines his greatness. After all, baseball is a game where success is measured by the ability to score more points than the opponent.

With a career still on the rise, Shohei Ohtani is not just a player; he is a transformative force in the world of baseball, an icon who promises to continue leaving his mark on the history of the sport.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.