Los Angeles Dodgers play-by-play announcer Joe Davis shares his experience witnessing Ohtani's record-breaking game, recounting the player's extraordinary achievements and the disbelief that surrounded his performance.
On Thursday, September 20th, 2023, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani etched his name into baseball history by becoming the first MLB player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season. The feat was all the more remarkable considering Ohtani's performance that night: a 6-for-6 outing with three homers, two doubles, two stolen bases, and 10 RBI.
Joe Davis, the Dodgers' primary play-by-play announcer, was fortunate enough to have a front-row seat to this historic event. With his busy schedule, Davis had originally thought he might miss out on Ohtani's record-making game, as he was set to leave for NFL coverage after the Dodgers' game. However, once Ohtani stole a base in the first inning, Davis knew he had to witness history unfold.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Performance: A Night of Greatness for Baseball
As Ohtani continued to dominate at the plate, Davis couldn't help but marvel at the player's incredible performance. "Just unreal," Davis said. "As fun of a day as I've had in my career."
Davis commented that Ohtani's performance could have occurred at any point in the season and still been considered one of the greatest individual days in baseball history. However, the fact that Ohtani achieved this feat while also punching his ticket to the postseason made it even more special.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Performance: A Night of Greatness for Baseball
Davis expressed his disbelief at Ohtani's ability to consistently defy expectations. "He continues to do things that if you were to pitch this as a Hollywood script, it'd get turned away because it's unbelievable," Davis said.
The 2023 season has been a tumultuous one for Ohtani, who was embroiled in a gambling scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. However, the scandal has only served to highlight Ohtani's determination and resilience.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Performance: A Night of Greatness for Baseball
With the regular season winding down, Ohtani is now just a few weeks away from playing in his first postseason game. His performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he is the heavy favorite to win his third MVP Award.
Despite recovering from elbow surgery and not pitching this year, Ohtani has found ways to make history and contribute to the Dodgers' success. His versatility and dominance at the plate have made him one of the most valuable players in baseball, and his legacy will continue to grow in the years to come.
Ohtani's record-breaking performance is a testament to his incredible talent and dedication. It is a moment that will be remembered by baseball fans for generations to come, and Joe Davis was fortunate enough to be there to witness it all.
