On July 16, 2025 (JST), at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, the MLB All-Star Game offered a dazzling stage where stars converged—and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers proved once again that his presence transcends mere popularity or prowess. Backed by overwhelming support in both fan balloting and player voting—two distinct measures of value—he then opened the game with a tone-setting hit off one of the sport’s elite pitchers. The night made it unmistakably clear: Ohtani is the “true main attraction,” crowned by fans and peers alike.

Unshakable Mandate: Proof That Fans and Players Recognize “the Greatest Ever”

Ohtani’s fifth straight All-Star selection was anything but routine. It was the result of a resounding vote of confidence from a broad fan base and from the harshest judges of all—fellow players. In Phase 1 of the fan vote for National League designated hitter, Ohtani amassed a staggering 3,967,668 votes—the highest total among all NL players—securing an automatic starting spot under rules introduced in 2022 without needing a runoff. Considering that Rafael Devers (Giants) finished second at just over 1.36 million votes, the gap was emphatic. With this selection, Ohtani tied the all-time record with his fifth All-Star start at DH, drawing level with Hall of Famer David Ortiz.

But what truly underscored his value was the verdict from those who face him across the diamond. In the separate player vote, Ohtani captured 68.4% (564 votes) in the NL DH category—more than double the second-place total of Kyle Schwarber (Phillies) at 260. If fan voting reflects popularity and market appeal, the player ballot is a barometer of pure skill, perceived threat, and professional respect. The convergence of fervent fan support and overwhelming peer recognition shows that Ohtani is not just a popular star—he is the pinnacle talent of modern baseball.

This year’s All-Star starters also included Dodgers teammates Will Smith and Freddie Freeman, giving the NL a league-high trio from Los Angeles. Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers) and Yusei Kikuchi (Angels) were selected but declined to participate due to their pitching schedules, leaving Ohtani as the only Japanese player to take the field. In the American League, Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees led all players with over four million votes, highlighting a marquee duo—Judge and Ohtani—fronting their respective leagues.

Amid a Two-Way Comeback, the Pride of a “Hitter” and a Strategic Bet on the Future

Ohtani’s 2025 All-Star context differed decisively from his previous four appearances. After tearing his right ulnar collateral ligament in 2023 and undergoing a second major procedure, he had only just made his long-awaited return as a pitcher shortly before the Midsummer Classic. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts—who had allowed that a pre–All-Star pitching return was “not zero”—flatly answered “No” when asked if Ohtani might pitch in the game, signaling the club’s long-term, careful approach to his full recovery.

That prudence extended to skipping the Home Run Derby. Despite public clamor for one of the league’s premier sluggers to join, Ohtani declined, prioritizing rehab for his right elbow and the stretch run. The Derby’s rapid-fire, max-effort swings posed unnecessary risk. “Under the current format, it’s pretty tough,” he admitted.

These decisions speak to Ohtani’s maturation. Once celebrated simply for attempting the unprecedented, he is now the central pillar of a team chasing a World Series title. Instead of chasing short-term showcases, he is focused on sustaining peak performance over a full season and leading his club to the summit. Limiting himself to hitting in the All-Star Game and bypassing the Derby were not absences but strategic, professional moves aimed squarely at the ultimate goal: winning it all.

Setting the Tone: A Leadoff Knock That Silenced a Cy Young Winner

When the game began, Ohtani fully embodied the pride of a hitter. Installed by Roberts as the NL’s leadoff DH, he stepped in for the very first at-bat of the evening before a packed house. On the mound stood the AL’s dominant lefty, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal—fresh off a pitching Triple Crown and a Cy Young Award. It was a dream matchup for a grand stage.

Skubal attacked with power, quickly running the count to 1–2. Then came Ohtani’s signature adjustment: on pitch four, a sharp, low slider on the outer edge, he stayed balanced and shot it cleanly into center for the NL’s first hit of the night. More than a simple single, the moment carried extra charge—Skubal, mic’d up for the broadcast, blurted “Ah, F*CK!” the instant the ball fell, a raw, viral soundtrack to Ohtani’s authority in the box.

That visceral reaction captured the pressure Ohtani imposes on opposing pitchers. Even in an All-Star Game—often a relaxed showcase—the league’s best couldn’t help but flash real frustration. The hit ignited the NL: Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ketel Marte followed with consecutive knocks, the NL plated two in the opening frame, and it was Ohtani who crossed the plate for the game’s first run.

Ohtani grounded out in the third and was pinch-hit for in the fifth, finishing 1-for-2 with a run scored. The line may look modest, but the leadoff spark—beating the AL’s top arm—was one of the game’s defining memories.

Beyond the Lines: The “Unicorn” Effect, On and Off the Field

Ohtani’s impact extends far beyond the stat line. Throughout All-Star week, his demeanor showed why he’s called a “unicorn.” Roberts praised him unabashedly—“Fans love him. He’s the best player”—even likening his talent to that of Barry Bonds, whom he once coached.

At the same time, Ohtani’s easygoing charm and sportsmanship shone through. During Derby practice he playfully approached Padres flamethrower Robert Suarez, pointing to the ribs where a 100-mph heater once nailed him and feigning pain—a light-hearted moment between fierce division rivals that rocketed around social media. In media-day interviews he set big goals—“I want to hit homers and win MVP this year”—but also showed a dad’s side: “Just seeing my child’s face wipes away the fatigue.” He said he enjoyed meeting fellow stars he had “only seen on screen.”

Beneath the warmth lies unwavering professionalism. When an extra-innings swing-off was staged after the game, Ohtani’s name was nowhere to be found. Roberts later revealed, “Shohei had been gone for ages,” explaining that his early exit was planned. Indeed, Ohtani appeared at postgame media in the suit he’d worn on the red carpet, making clear that rest and preparation for the second half were top priorities.

This duality is Ohtani’s essence: an overwhelming force between the lines, a gracious, humorous presence off the field, and—at the core—a ruthlessly disciplined pro who manages his body and career with clear-eyed focus on the ultimate prize. His uniqueness isn’t only in two-way play; it’s in the rare balance of approachable humanity and awe-inspiring excellence. A modern “unicorn,” his influence on baseball will only continue to grow.