Shohei Ohtani suited up for the National League in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, his first time as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In his fourth career All-Star Game, the superstar made a huge impact when he stepped up to the plate in the top of the third inning with two runners on. Ohtani punished a hanging splitter for a three-run homer and could have been named All-Star Game MVP if not for the American League responding with five unanswered runs in yet another win.
Ohtani’s status as a new pillar in the NL nevertheless was felt, but he too was excited to be around some of the sport’s best talent and Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Bryce Harper specifically caught his attention.
“I had an opportunity to get a pretty close look at Bryce Harper, the kind of preparation that he does before the game,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “So really Bryce Harper stood out to me.”
The praise from Ohtani was reminiscent of 2023, when he spoke glowingly about Mookie Betts. Of course, in this instance Ohtani and Harper are signed to respective long-term contracts and aren’t potentially going to become teammates.
Harper was a young phenom in his own right, making his MLB debut as a 19-year-old in 2012 with the Washington Nationals. Now a member of the Phillies, Harper has eight All-Star Game selections to his name.
Both winners of two MVP Awards and Rookie of the Year honors, Ohtani and Harper figure to square off against one another in the coming years, and perhaps as soon as the 2024 MLB postseason.
The Dodgers are in a position to continue their reign in the NL West, as are the Phillies in the NL East. Ohtani and the Dodgers were swept in their recent road trip to Citizen’s Bank Park, but were saddled with a severely depleted pitching staff and underperforming lower part of the lineup.
Shohei Ohtani made All-Star Game history
Ohtani made MLB All-Star Game history by becoming the first player to start four years in a row as the designated hitter. He additionally made MLB history as the first player to earn a win on the mound and hit a home run in his All-Star Game career.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
