UPDATE: High school baseball players across the United States are feeling an unprecedented surge of inspiration following Shohei Ohtani’s jaw-dropping performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. Just hours ago, Ohtani hit three home runs and struck out ten batters, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. This historic achievement has ignited a wave of ambition among young athletes eager to emulate the two-way superstar.
Among those inspired is Jared Grindlinger, a junior pitcher and outfielder from Huntington Beach. “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 remarked. “It’s definitely inspiring to know it’s possible to do both at the next level. I hope other kids become two-way players.” Grindlinger, regarded as one of the best players from the 2027 class, throws fastballs in the 90s and possesses significant hitting power.
Grindlinger is not alone in his admiration. Joshua Pearlstein, an All-City outfielder and pitcher at Cleveland, expressed his awe while watching Ohtani’s performance on television. “I was in shock. It was pretty cool to see him do everything at the same time,” he said. The challenge of balancing pitching and hitting at practice is something Pearlstein is determined to tackle. “It inspires me to work at home to achieve the same goals he has reached,” he added.
Another aspiring two-way player, Carlos Acuna, a sophomore pitcher and shortstop, couldn’t hide his excitement. “It’s awesome. That’s who I want to be like as a pitcher and hitter,” said Acuna, a diehard Dodgers fan. However, coaches face the challenge of managing two-way players to prevent them from becoming overwhelmed.
Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman weighed in on the impact Ohtani is having on the game, stating, “Shohei is changing the game. I don’t know if you’re going to see another person like him.” He emphasized the importance of nurturing young talents who aspire to follow in Ohtani’s footsteps, indicating a potential shift in how baseball is approached at the collegiate level.
Grindlinger acknowledges the delicate balancing act required for two-way players. “I get to do my pitching stuff first, then my hitting stuff afterward,” he explained. “You have to plan around it. Sometimes I can’t do heavy lifting because I have a bullpen day. It’s definitely a challenge but a fun one.”
As these young athletes strive to reach their goals, Ohtani’s extraordinary capabilities serve as a beacon of hope and motivation. With 2026 expected to see a rise in the popularity of the name Shohei, it’s clear that his influence transcends the baseball field, inspiring a generation of players to dream big and aim high.
The excitement surrounding Ohtani’s performance and its impact on aspiring athletes is palpable, and the ripple effects of this historic game are just beginning to unfold. As high school players take to the fields, they carry with them the hope of becoming the next Shohei Ohtani.