This isn't hyperbolic: Shohei Ohtani felt like a god among mortals Tuesday evening as he led Japan to a World Baseball Classic Final victory over USA.
There's a such thing as announcers or pundits going overboard in their praise of a specific player when they are having a tremendous moment on a big stage. But Ohtani came in to close out a championship game -- and retired two future Hall of Famers in the process -- just two innings after beating out an infield single. There's no such thing as being too complimentary of Ohtani, he's unquestionably a generational talent, and that may even be underselling him.
Speaking of generational talents, Hall of Fame righty Pedro Martinez was part of MLB Network's postgame coverage of the WBC Final Tuesday night. And when Ohtani made his way over to the set, one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history made sure to give the WBC MVP his flowers:
It's unclear how sustainable being a two-way superstar will be for Ohtani, who is simultaneously one of the most dangerous hitters and best pitchers the sport has to offer. What's clear, though, is that what the former American League MVP has done over the past two seasons has cemented his place in baseball history.
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