'ONE-OF-ONE' OHTANI AMAZES

Two-way star draws comparisons to US sporting legends with historic feats

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TOKYO - Japan's Shohei Ohtani is not only the record-breaking baseball "superhuman" following in the footsteps of the legendary Babe Ruth but is also earning comparisons with American sporting greats Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.

Not since Ruth a century ago has there been a baseball player capable of pitching and hitting at the top level.

The 30-year-old's performances with the Los Angeles Dodgers have consolidated his position as a baseball legend in the making, and a national icon in his native Japan.

He continues to find new ways to amaze, in 2024 becoming the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season - a feat previously thought impossible.

"He is amazing. Just amazing. I'm in awe," Tokyo shopkeeper Keisuke Takahashi told AFP after Ohtani's six-for-six batting performance against the Miami Marlins on Sept 19.

Another Japanese fan said on X: "He is too incredible... truly superhuman."

Ohtani joined the Dodgers late in 2023 on a 10-year deal worth US$700 million (S$906.5 million) - the richest contract in American sport history.

His first year with the team has been even more eventful than anyone could have imagined, taking in marriage and a stunning theft scandal.