Shohei Ohtani continues to dazzle the baseball world, and this year he’s doing it on an entirely new stage. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar has officially been named the starting designated hitter (DH) for the National League in the upcoming MLB All-Star Game. What makes this moment even more special is that he led all National League players in Phase 1 of the fan voting process, a resounding statement from fans across the country—and the world—who have embraced his greatness. For Ohtani, this isn’t just another All-Star nod; it’s a validation of his historic transition from the American League to the National League, and another milestone in a career already overflowing with them.
When Ohtani signed with the Dodgers in the offseason in a record-breaking deal, expectations were astronomical. Not only was he coming off another dominant season with the Los Angeles Angels, but he was also undergoing elbow surgery that would keep him from pitching in 2024. That meant his contributions in his first season with the Dodgers would be limited to the batter’s box. Still, even without taking the mound, Ohtani has managed to exceed the expectations of fans, analysts, and perhaps even himself. His selection as the NL’s starting DH is a reflection not just of his numbers, but of his enormous impact on the game and its fanbase.
What sets Ohtani apart—beyond the obvious statistical accomplishments—is the sense of awe he generates every time he steps onto the field. Baseball, more than many sports, is rooted in tradition, and yet here is a player redefining what’s possible. Although he won’t be pitching in this year’s All-Star Game, just the presence of Ohtani on the National League roster is a monumental event. The fact that he led all NL players in fan voting underscores how popular he is, not just in Southern California or in Japan, but globally. His fanbase cuts across continents, and his influence stretches well beyond the lines of the diamond.
Ohtani’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s put up MVP-caliber numbers while adapting to a new league and a new team, in one of the most high-pressure environments imaginable. His combination of power, speed, and plate discipline has made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers and a dream for Dodgers fans. Despite the weight of a \$700 million contract and the pressure of being the face of baseball, Ohtani has performed with grace, consistency, and that signature quiet humility that endears him to fans everywhere.
In Phase 1 of the All-Star voting, which determines the finalists for each position, Ohtani outpaced every other player in the National League in votes. That includes established stars and popular veterans, showing just how massive his appeal remains. This was no small feat considering the number of standout performances in the league this season. The vote totals were staggering, and Ohtani’s lead was convincing. Fans rallied behind him in droves, and it became clear early on that he would be one of the marquee names in the Midsummer Classic.
There’s a poetic symmetry to Shohei Ohtani being named an All-Star starter in both leagues across his career. With the Angels, he was a mainstay in American League voting, and now with the Dodgers, he has seamlessly transitioned into the heart of the National League. Few players in the modern era have enjoyed such universal admiration, and even fewer have managed to transcend league lines the way Ohtani has. He’s not just a star in the AL or the NL—he’s a global icon whose presence elevates the entire sport.
Ohtani’s All-Star selection also reinforces a powerful message about the evolving nature of baseball fandom. In a game that often emphasizes tradition and regional loyalty, fans came together to celebrate a player who defies categorization. He’s a slugger who can outrun most infielders, a pitcher who intimidates hitters, and a teammate who puts winning above everything else. Even in a year where he’s not pitching, Ohtani’s offensive contributions have been so overwhelming that leaving him off the starting roster was never an option.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Ohtani’s All-Star selection is how he’s handled the spotlight. There’s a quiet intensity to the way he plays—focused, precise, and never flashy for the sake of attention. That demeanor has made him even more endearing to fans. He’s not chasing headlines or endorsement deals, though they come in abundance. He’s chasing greatness, and every step he takes gets him closer to a legacy that may one day be unmatched. His focus on team success, even while being the center of attention, makes him the kind of player teammates rally behind and fans root for with unbridled passion.
As the All-Star Game approaches, anticipation builds not just for the game itself but for the chance to watch Shohei Ohtani share the field with the game’s brightest talents. The All-Star stage has always been a place to celebrate the best in baseball, but having Ohtani there adds a layer of historical relevance. He isn’t just a participant; he’s a defining figure of this era of baseball. Every appearance he makes feels like a moment to savor, and this All-Star Game will be no exception.
His selection as the starting DH is particularly fitting given the role he’s played for the Dodgers this year. Without pitching duties, Ohtani has fully immersed himself in being an offensive force. Whether it’s crushing towering home runs to center field, stretching singles into doubles with his blazing speed, or laying off tough pitches to draw key walks, he’s demonstrated a complete offensive profile. His plate discipline has improved, his power remains elite, and his baseball IQ continues to impress. For many players, such a season would be the pinnacle of their career. For Ohtani, it’s another chapter in what is quickly becoming a mythical journey.
There’s also a broader cultural impact to consider. Shohei Ohtani’s presence in the All-Star Game is a source of immense pride for Japanese fans and a testament to baseball’s global reach. His journey from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to MLB stardom has inspired a generation of young players around the world. That inspiration is not lost in this moment; it’s amplified by the fact that he is not only participating in the All-Star Game but doing so as the top vote-getter in the National League. It’s a recognition of his talent, but also of what he represents: excellence, perseverance, and the breaking of boundaries.
For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s All-Star status reinforces the wisdom of their investment. When they signed him, they weren’t just adding a player—they were adding a phenomenon. His performance on the field and the attention he draws off it have made him one of the most valuable assets in all of sports. And yet, it’s not just about economics or publicity. It’s about what he brings to the game. In a time when baseball is fighting to remain relevant with younger audiences and a crowded sports marketplace, Ohtani brings electricity. He brings curiosity. He brings wonder.
As the All-Star festivities unfold, fans will get to see Ohtani do what he does best—compete at the highest level with humility and passion. Whether he delivers a moonshot home run, legs out a triple, or simply shares a dugout with fellow stars, his presence will be felt in every corner of the stadium and beyond. He’s not just participating; he’s defining the moment. The All-Star Game has always been about celebrating baseball’s best, and in Shohei Ohtani, the game has someone who is not just the best in his role, but arguably the most compelling figure in all of sports today.
It’s also worth reflecting on what this means for the second half of the season. Ohtani is not slowing down, and the Dodgers are firmly in the mix for a deep postseason run. His All-Star selection is a milestone, but it’s also a springboard. The attention it brings will only intensify as the season progresses and the games grow more meaningful. With every swing, Ohtani will be carrying the hopes of fans not just in Los Angeles or Japan, but around the world.
In leading all National League players in Phase 1 of the voting and securing his place as the starting designated hitter, Shohei Ohtani has added another feather to an already illustrious cap. He’s shown that even after everything he’s accomplished, there are still new heights to reach. For baseball fans, this moment is one to savor—a celebration of a once-in-a-generation talent continuing to do the extraordinary. For Ohtani, it’s another step toward cementing a legacy that may ultimately transcend the sport itself.
