Shohei Ohtani was given the ultimate compliment shortly before he made his World Series debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Blue Crew take on the New York Yankees in the first of five games Friday, and Ohtani – who has generated headlines throughout the season for his two-way play – had two MLB Hall-of-Famers in total agreement over who and what he is.
The answer? He’s a unicorn. Why? Well, he’s one of one, of course. There’s no one like Ohtani, according to David Ortiz, Derek Jetter, and Alex Rodriguez, who all enjoyed glittering pro careers of their own and are now in the Fox Sports booth to analyze the Dodgers, the Yankees, and Ohtani throughout the World Series.
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Former hitter ‘Big Papi’ Ortiz said he loves Ohtahi because “he’s the guy that [represents] an era to enjoy watching this guy play.”
It is a stark contrast to August, when he referred to Ohtani as a “pretty girl”. Now, he’s a “unicorn” and “a guy who is very unique at what he does.” Ortiz said: “This is a guy who, when he’s a slump, for him, it don’t matter, he continues swinging and stays aggressive. If you give him something to hit, he knocks it out of the park.”
Jeter, who spent his entire 20-year playing career with the Yankees, agreed: “Just to follow up on what you said, you said he’s a unicorn. People always ask me who does Ohtani remind you of, well, he’s a unicorn. There aren’t other unicorns. There’s just one of him.”
Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a two-run home run, his 50th of the season, during the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park on September 19, 2024 (
Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Jeter continued: “He’s still a pitcher, too. What people don’t understand is… how many interview requests. It’s a lot of pressure, distractions, but nothing seems to affect him.”
Alex Rodriguez, a legendary shortstop who’s chances of Hall-of-Fame induction decrease ever year he’s on the ballet, reserved the highest of praise for Ohtani, comparing him to the best players whether they’re on the plate, the mound, or the bases.
“You’ve got to think of this young man … he’s a triple threat,” A-Rod said on Fox Sports. “He’s Barry Bonds at the plate, Roger Clemens on the mound, and he’s Rickey Henderson on the bases.
“59 stolen bases. He’s stolen third base nine times. He’s not unveiled that part of his game, I expect him to run, and run often. Power, and speed, for Ohtani.”
The Dodgers beat San Diego and NY Mets in postseason to make the World Series while their opponent, the Yankees, breezed past Kansas City and Cleveland. Fox Sports airs each game in the World Series on Friday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
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