Angels News: Former All-Star Closer Prefers Shohei Ohtani Over Babe Ruth

Shohei Ohtani receives high praise from former closer

Many have compared Angels star Shohei Ohtani to the likes of baseball legend Babe Ruth. Both players were dominant two-way players, finding success both hitting and pitching. 

Baseball fans have pondered the thought of being able to watch Ruth play in his prime. Unfortunately, Ruth played in an era where there were no phones, television or social media. 

People believe that they are able to watch the modern day Babe Ruth through Ohtani. 

For former Red Sox and Phillies closer Johnathan Papelbon, he would rather witness Ohtani playing than he would Ruth.

“To me, it’s revolutionary dude. It’s freaking fantastic,” Papelbon said during an appearance on WEEI’s Baseball isn’t Boring podcast. “People need to realize how lucky they are. In my opinion, if you asked me right now if I’d rather watch Babe Ruth play or Shohei Ohtani, I’m going to tell you Ohtani. He is the modern day version of Babe Ruth and we should feel blessed to be watching it.”

Papelbon played his final season in the majors two years before Ohtani made his debut meaning the two were never able to share the field. 

Papelbon continued his high praise of Ohtani by saying that the Japanese star is his pick for MVP this season and the only way for him to lose is if he gets hurt. 

Ohtani is currently batting .300 and leads the league with 24 homers. He is also 6-2 on the mound with a 3.29 ERA and has struck out 109 batters. 

Ohtani will show off both his hitting and pitching abilities this week when he gets the start for the Halos on Wednesday against the Dodgers.