10/28/2025
Prep baseball players feeling inspired to emulate Shohei Ohtani
Across U.S. high school baseball fields, a new generation of players is drawing inspiration from Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. The 2025 season has seen prep athletes increasingly emulate Ohtani’s rare two-way prowess as both a pitcher and hitter, captivated by his historic 2024 campaign, where he hit 54 home runs and posted a 2.81 ERA. Coaches report a surge in players training to excel in both roles, with many citing Ohtani’s work ethic and versatility as motivation. “Kids see Ohtani and realize they don’t have to choose between pitching and hitting,” says Coach Mike Rivera of San Diego’s Lincoln High. Junior pitcher-outfielder Ethan Chen, 16, added, “Shohei shows it’s possible to do it all. I’m pushing to hit like him and throw heat.” This “Ohtani effect” is reshaping youth baseball, with clinics focusing on dual-skill development seeing record attendance. As Ohtani continues to redefine the sport, young athletes are dreaming bigger, aiming to mirror his unprecedented success.
