Shohei Ohtani Hits 400-Foot Home Run, Makes All-Star History

Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels' star, hit his first home run in an All-Star Game on Tuesday night. Facing Tanner Houck of the Boston Red Sox, Ohtani launched a three-run homer in the third inning, breaking a scoreless tie. Despite Ohtani's efforts, the National League lost 5-3 at Globe Life Field.

This home run was significant for Ohtani. He became the only player in MLB history to both earn a win as a pitcher (Colorado, 2021) and hit a home run in his All-Star Game career. "I'm just relieved that I put a good ball in play," Ohtani said through an interpreter.

Before this game, Ohtani had gone 1-for-4 with two walks in his previous All-Star appearances. His home run also marked the first by a Dodgers hitter in an All-Star Game since Mike Piazza in 1996. Ohtani joined Ichiro Suzuki as the only Japanese-born players to hit an All-Star home run.

Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani

Ohtani, the first player to start four straight All-Star Games as a designated hitter, walked in his first plate appearance against AL starter Corbin Burnes. His second at-bat proved crucial, with two runners on base. He hit an 88.7 mph splitter 400 feet into the stands, clocked at 103.7 mph off the bat.

Bryce Harper commented, "It was sick. [Houck] left a split-finger over the middle and [Ohtani] did his job." Despite giving up the home run, Houck wasn't discouraged, calling it part of facing the best players.


Ohtani finished the game 1-for-2 with a walk and three RBIs. His NL teammates appreciated the rare opportunity to share a dugout with him. Padres rookie Jackson Merrill called Ohtani "probably the greatest player ever," relishing the chance to be on the same team.

This memorable night added another chapter to Ohtani's extraordinary career, highlighting his unique talent as both a hitter and a pitcher.

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Source: MLB

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