Ending days of speculation and anticipation, Sony San Diego Studio revealed Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani as the MLB The Show 22 cover athlete. The unveiling was made via live stream from Times Square in New York.
Ohtani is the first member of the Angels organization to be featured on the cover of a video game, the first Asian athlete to earn the honor, and the first pitcher to ever be on the cover of an MLB The Show game.
Ohtani was an expected pick after he put together a historic 2021 season. Among other accomplishments, he was unanimously voted American League MVP, made the All-Star Game as a pitcher and hitter, and earned a Silver Slugger Award.
Ohtani also became the 16th recipient of the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award. It marked the first time the honor was presented since Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter and legendary L.A. Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully both received the award in 2014.
The Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award was created in 1998 and recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of historical significance to the game.
When Ohtani faced unwarranted criticism from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Justin Turner came to his defense and reminded of baseball being an international sport and the 27-year-old certainly being plenty capable of serving as its face.
MLB The Show 22 release details
The popular baseball game is available for preorder now and will release Tuesday, April 5. MLB The Show again is available on PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. And for the first time ever, it’s coming to Nintendo Switch as well.
Sony San Diego Studio will reveal who is on the cover of the collector’s edition on Wednesday. Last year that honor went to Brooklyn Dodgers icon Jackie Robinson, with proceeds benefitting his foundation.
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