What Shohei Ohtani did in MLB this year is unheard of for this generation of baseball fans — and maybe generations of fans before us. For that reason, he’s really rallied fans of all teams to his cause. He was basically appointment baseball for all MLB fans, whether he was starting on the mound, hitting home runs at the plate, participating in the Home Run Derby, or more. This is really the year of Ohtani.
- Kurt Mensching
FanSided MLB Editorial Director
Best fan moment of the year
The All-Star Game stands out: In the Home Run Derby, Ohtani became the first player ever to hit six home runs of at least 500 feet. A day later, he both led off for the American League and started, throwing a perfect 1-2-3 inning.
What emotion defined this fandom this year?
Joy and excitement. Ohtani was the definition of must-see TV for baseball fans because you never knew what he would do next and you couldn't believe that it was happening in front of your eyes. This generation has not seen a dominant two-way player like Ohtani, and watching him play makes you giddy.