Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Makes History in All-Star Game With One Swing

J.P. Hoornstra | Jul 17, 2024

Jul 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers (17) hits a three run home run against the American League during the third inning of the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter left his mark on the All-Star Game on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

Although the National League lost 5-3 to the American League, Ohtani's three-run home run against Tanner Houck accounted for all three NL runs.

Ohtani's homer traveled 400 feet to right-center field, per Statcast. It also put him in exclusive company in All-Star Game history.

Shohei Ohtani is the first player with a pitching win and a home run in his All-Star career

We are so lucky to get to witness this!!! https://t.co/vnfYUyQhtj

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 17, 2024

No player in the history of the event has recorded both a pitching win and a home run before Ohtani, who was the winning pitcher in 2021. Ohtani's home run was the first by a Dodgers player since Mike Piazza in 1996.

Ohtani reached base twice in three plate appearances, including a walk in the first inning. He struck out in the fifth inning against Oakland A's closer Mason Miller.

Ohtani became the eighth Dodger to record multiple RBI in an All-Star Game.

Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez went 0 for 2 as the NL's starting center fielder, one day after he won the Home Run Derby. Will Smith went 1 for 2 after replacing starting catcher William Contreras. Smith, however, was retired on the back end of a double-play groundout by teammate Freddie Freeman.

Shohei Ohtani is the first player to earn a pitcher win and hit a home run in AL/NL All-Star history.

This was also done in the Negro Leagues East-West All-Star games by Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe in 1939 (win) and 1944 (HR). https://t.co/kQcDPeQzYbhttps://t.co/8K4bGvdtEM

— Tom Thress (@Kiko_Sakata) July 17, 2024

The other Dodgers players to hit a home run in the All-Star Game are:

• Mike Piazza (1996, 1995)·

• Steve Garvey (1975, 1977)·

• Jim Wynn (1975)·

• Willie Davis (1973)·

• John Roseboro (1962)·

• Jim Gilliam (1959)·

• Jackie Robinson (1952)·

• Gil Hodges (1951)·

• Mickey Owen (1942)

The big day for Ohtani also allowed he and Smith to join select company in franchise history as teammates with hits in the same All-Star Game.