Ohtani named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2021
Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani is one of MLB's biggest attractions, and his popularity has grown outside of baseball circles.
The 27-year-old Japanese star was included among Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2021 on Wednesday. His blurb was written by former MLB All-Star and current baseball broadcaster Alex Rodriguez.
Other athletes on the list include tennis player Naomi Osaka, gymnasts Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, track-and-field runner Allyson Felix, and quarterback Tom Brady.
The list, which is sorted into the categories of icons, pioneers, titans, artists, leaders, and innovators, also includes Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex; President Joe Biden; and more.
Ohtani is one of the front-runners for AL MVP thanks to a .257/.360/.605 slash line with 44 home runs and 94 RBIs as a hitter. As a pitcher, he's posted a 9-2 record with a 3.36 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 21 starts.