[Originally published July 23, 2021]
Shohei Ohtani, starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, is quickly becoming one of the biggest names in sports. As a two-way player, Ohtani has made history by becoming the first MLB player to be named an All-Star in two positions, as both a pitcher and designated hitter. Leading the league with 33 home runs, Ohtani has become the most talked-about player in a league that notoriously lacks big stars on the level of the NBA or NFL.
Ohtani’s success is remarkable as he has become baseball’s first truly successful two-way player in decades. For years, it’s been an accepted part of life that baseball pitchers are poor hitters. In 2019, pitchers got a hit in about 13.1% of their at-bats, compared to a league average of about 25%. Pitching is such a difficult task compared to all other positions, that pitchers are not expected or even encouraged to take batting seriously. Instead, pitchers gain all of their value from their defensive ability. Ohtani has managed to not only become an above-average pitcher, but also one of the best hitters in the league. But is this really his best role? The theory of comparative advantage implies Ohtani, like all other pitchers, should specialize in one aspect of the game. Pitching on a regular schedule obviously interferes – both physically and mentally – with his performance as a hitter, and vice versa. Perhaps Ohtani could become an even better hitter or pitcher if he gave up one facet and focused entirely on the other.
So why doesn’t he? The answer is that of course, sports are more than just about pure performance. They’re also about entertainment, and Ohtani’s two-way success provides plenty of it. While it is true that Ohtani may become a better pitcher or hitter if he gave up one aspect of his career, he would also be sacrificing the millions of fans he has made throughout this season. The value that Shohei Ohtani brings to himself and the Angels through being a two-way player is far greater than any improvement he could make to his game. By avoiding specialization, Ohtani is selling jerseys, tickets, and a legacy that is sure to last regardless of his team’s overall performance.