Get ready to witness history in the making—because Shohei Ohtani just redefined what it means to be a baseball legend. In a jaw-dropping display of talent, the Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar didn’t just play in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS); he dominated it, leading his team to a 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers and securing their spot in the World Series. But here’s where it gets even more mind-blowing: Ohtani didn’t just pitch or hit—he did both, and in spectacular fashion. We’re talking three monstrous home runs, 10 strikeouts, and a shutout performance into the seventh inning. Seriously, when was the last time you saw someone do that?
Let’s break it down, because this performance deserves a standing ovation. After striking out three Brewers in the top of the first inning, Ohtani stepped up to the plate and made history by hitting the first leadoff home run by a pitcher in Major League Baseball history. And he wasn’t done. In the fourth inning, he launched a 469-foot bomb that cleared the pavilion roof in right-center field. Then, in the seventh, he added a third solo shot, becoming just the 12th player to hit three homers in a postseason game. Oh, and those three homers? They traveled a combined 1,342 feet. Let that sink in.
But wait, there’s more. On the mound, Ohtani was untouchable. In his second career postseason start, he allowed just two hits and struck out 10 batters—his first double-digit strikeout game in a Dodgers uniform. He didn’t give up a hit until the fourth inning and fanned two Brewers in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. By the time he left the mound in the seventh to a thunderous ovation, it was clear: this was the Shohei Ohtani game.
And this is the part most people miss: Ohtani’s performance wasn’t just about stats—it was about impact. Teammate Freddie Freeman, last season’s World Series MVP, put it perfectly: “Sometimes you’ve got to check yourself and touch him to make sure he’s not just made of steel.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts went even further, calling it “probably the greatest postseason performance of all time.” Bold words, but hard to argue with after witnessing this masterpiece.
With this win, the Dodgers are heading to the World Series for the fifth time in nine seasons, aiming to become baseball’s first repeat champions in 25 years. They’re the first team to win back-to-back pennants since the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009, and their dominance in this series was absolute. The Brewers, who led the majors with 97 wins this season, were swept aside by a Dodgers team that’s now won 9 of their last 10 playoff games.
But here’s the controversial question: Is Shohei Ohtani the greatest player of all time? Some might say it’s too early to crown him, but after a performance like this, it’s hard not to wonder. The Brewers’ manager, Pat Murphy, summed it up: “I don’t think anybody can argue with that. A guy punches out 10 and hits three homers.”
As the Dodgers prepare for the World Series, starting next Friday against either Toronto or Seattle, one thing is certain: Shohei Ohtani has cemented his place in baseball history. And if you’re not already a fan, now’s the time to jump on the bandwagon. Because players like this? They don’t come around often.
So, what do you think? Is Ohtani the GOAT? Or is it too soon to say? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
