Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Two-way Ohtani inspires the next generation
Los Angeles Times
|October 27, 2025
There are plenty of people speculating how one of the most popular baby names for those born this year and in 2026 in the United States and Japan will be Shohei after what Shohei Ohtani accomplished in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, hitting three home runs and striking out 10 in the Dodgers' clinching win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
What's also clear is how much inspiration Ohtani is providing for high school baseball players who want to hit and pitch like him.
“It’s pretty crazy to do, especially as the leadoff hitter, to strike out three, then hit a home run. He doesn’t have time to regroup,” Huntington Beach junior pitcher/outfielder Jared Grindlinger said. “It’s definitely inspiring to know it’s possible to do both at the next level. I hope other kids become two-way players.”
Grindlinger might be the best two-way player in the Southland next spring. He throws fastballs in the 90s and has lots of power as one of the best players from the class of 2027. He said he has studied Ohtani’s experiences.
This story is from the October 27, 2025 edition of Los Angeles Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
Yamamoto's two historic games show his drive to one day surpass Kershaw
Who would have guessed? Who would have guessed that in a starting rotation of giants and alphas, the most important pitcher would be the diminutive 27-year old with the mischievous smile who plays the role of everyone's little brother?
3 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Yamamoto turns back the clock to a bygone era
Now are instructed to throw as hard as they can for as long as they can, before inevitably passing the baton to bullpens meticulously crafted to maximize late-game matchups.
5 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
State gives boost to Planned Parenthood clinics
After months of financial strain, Planned Parenthood will get a $140-million lifeline to offset losses it sustained after Congress in July cut funding for the health system, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday.
3 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Hurricane threatens Jamaica and Haiti
Residents urged to seek shelter as Melissa strengthens into a Category 4 storm.
3 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
U.S. warship docks in Trinidad, not far from Venezuela
A U.S. warship docked in Trinidad and Tobago's capital Sunday as the Trump administration boosts military pressure on neighboring Venezuela and its president, Nicolás Maduro.
1 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Outcome of Skaggs trial is unlikely to compel sale of Angels
As the trial about whether the Angels should be held at least partially liable for the death of Tyler Skaggs enters its third week, major league officials are closely monitoring the proceedings.
2 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
With this staff, Dodgers don't need to overthink pitching strategy
There might be no greater reminder of how far the Dodgers have come than the opposing pitcher on Monday.
4 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
U.S. orders Colorado to stop importing Canadian wolves
State's reintroduction plan hits a federal roadblock over sourcing of animals.
2 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Open enrollment is healthcare’s most expensive lie
We waste billions on a shell game, creating the illusion of choice
3 mins
October 27, 2025
Los Angeles Times
Oil giant says disclosure laws violate free speech rights
\"Truly shocking that one of the biggest polluters on the planet would be opposed to transparency,\" Gallegos said.
2 mins
October 27, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size