It’s now the All-Star break for the MLB as the reserves have just been announced. With the help of Steve’s APBA Card Computer, I thought I would take a look at some of the high performing stars of baseball.
I’ve picked a few to highlight the next few weeks but honestly, there’s one that stands out. He’s stood out since he came to the states. It’s Shohei Ohtani.
It is quite simple. Shohei, the man who has been responsible for instituting several instances of the “Ohtani Rule” does it all. He can hit, hit for power, and he can steal a base.
| Split | G | GS | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | BB | SO | BA | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Totals | 84 | 84 | 377 | 324 | 61 | 99 | 15 | 5 | 31 | 68 | 11 | 45 | 84 | .306 | .390 | .670 |
Oh yes, he can pitch. And pitch well!
| Split | W | L | W-L% | ERA | G | GS | CG | SHO | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | SO9 | SO/W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Totals | 7 | 3 | .700 | 3.02 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 95.1 | 60 | 34 | 32 | 12 | 39 | 127 | 12.0 | 3.26 |
The thing is, those hitting numbers aren’t lucky. Anyone remotely following the MLB knows that Ohtani has been in the lineup for all but two of the Angels’ games this year. These aren’t numbers like a Don Drysdale or Mike Hampton APBA hitting card. It’s the real deal. Ohtani is offensively contributing to his team on a daily basis.
Of course, this is the All-Star break and a lot can happen in the second half. Last year, Ohtani actually picked it up in the last half especially in the BA department. He did suffer a .229 slump in 2021 in the later half.
Point being, it’s anyone’s guess and at this point, Ohtani could keep raking it.
A few notes about Ohtani’s card
You can see Shohei’s power numbers. Anyone who has 1-1-4-5-5 has my respect. He also has a 15-11. I completely understand this unofficial card but overall, this seems pretty spot on.
I once had a card on my league team with a 44-5 (1998 Mark McGwire). The homeruns I hit with the 44 were the sweetest.
Ohtani’s pitching grade of B is fair. If APBA was doling out grades today, that’s what I think they would give him. Time will tell if that will stay the same.
As much as I know the game of APBA, strikeout letters somewhat confuse me. I think because the number a strikeouts a pitcher collects is influenced by two factors; the pitcher’s strikeout rating(s) but more prominently, the numbers of hitters’ 13s. In a league or era with more strikeouts/9 IP, a stronger strikeout rating is not needed. I can attest as many players in my team in the IAL have a 21-13. In the ‘old days’, that would be reserved for the Rob Deer types.
Finally, I just plain like Shohei Ohtani. From what I can see, he seems to like to play baseball and that kind of attitude is infectious.
Do I wish I had traded for the first pick and drafted Ohtani? You know I do.
Nice article Tom. Keep up the great work.