Shohei Ohtani Makes History Again by Leading All National League Players in Voting and Being Named the Starting DH

Shohei Ohtani Makes History Again by Leading All National League Players in Voting and Being Named the Starting DH

Shohei Ohtani has done it again. In what has become a regular sight in the baseball world, Ohtani continues to etch his name into the annals of Major League Baseball history, this time by leading all National League players in Phase 1 of the All-Star voting and being officially named the NL’s starting designated hitter. It’s not just a triumph for Ohtani personally, but a celebration for fans, a confirmation of his transcendent greatness, and a reflection of his unparalleled impact on the sport.

With over 3 million votes cast in his favor, Ohtani’s overwhelming popularity wasn’t just about statistics—it was about his iconic presence on the field. Ever since making the switch to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani has elevated his game to even greater heights, blending the allure of a global superstar with the grind-it-out daily excellence of a franchise cornerstone. His selection as the starting DH for the National League isn’t just an honor—it’s a message to the world that baseball’s brightest light continues to shine with undimmed brilliance.

Phase 1 of All-Star voting is always intense, and the level of talent across both leagues is staggering. But from the start, there was never really a doubt that Ohtani would stand apart. Not only did he lead all National League players in votes, but he did so by a historically wide margin, pulling away from some of the league’s most beloved and elite players. His impact on fans from coast to coast—and around the world—is impossible to ignore. Whether you’re watching from Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, or Seoul, there’s no denying that when Shohei Ohtani is on the field, you’re seeing something extraordinary.

And the numbers back it up. Through the first half of the 2025 MLB season, Ohtani has been nothing short of spectacular. As a designated hitter, he’s posted a batting average hovering near .320, with a league-leading OPS, towering home runs that defy physics, and a keen eye at the plate that has made him one of the most feared hitters in baseball. His combination of power, speed, and plate discipline has not only helped the Dodgers remain dominant in the NL West but has once again redefined what it means to be a complete hitter in today’s game.

While this All-Star selection marks yet another chapter in Ohtani’s growing legacy, it also represents a moment of reflection for how far he’s come. From his days as a two-way phenomenon in Japan to his groundbreaking MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels, and now to his superstar run with the Dodgers, Ohtani has continued to evolve, adapt, and amaze. Injuries and transitions haven’t slowed him down—instead, they’ve added new layers to his game and further deepened the admiration that fans and peers alike have for him.

The move to the Dodgers was one of the most talked-about free agent signings in MLB history, and so far, it’s paying off in spades. While he’s not pitching in 2025 due to recovery from elbow surgery, Ohtani’s offensive production has not missed a beat. In fact, some would argue that removing the pitching duties has allowed him to focus and excel even more at the plate. He’s faster on the bases, more selective with his swings, and more explosive with every contact. His presence in the Dodgers’ lineup transforms their offense and forces pitchers to change their entire approach.

The All-Star Game itself is designed to celebrate excellence, flair, and entertainment—and no player embodies those qualities quite like Shohei Ohtani. His selection as the National League’s starting DH is fitting not only because of his performance but also because of the joy he brings to the game. Young fans wear his jersey, veteran players respect his hustle, and analysts across the sport constantly run out of superlatives trying to describe him. He’s not just a great player—he’s a unifying force in a sport that’s always evolving.

This year’s All-Star Game will be even more special with Ohtani front and center. It will mark the first time he starts the game as a member of the National League, and that alone brings with it a sense of history. The moment he steps to the plate, fans will witness a continuation of a remarkable journey—one that has taken him from the small town of Oshu, Japan to the grandest stages of American baseball. Every swing he takes will be a reminder of the power of perseverance, global ambition, and love for the game.

For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s selection is also a team triumph. His leadership, both on and off the field, has been essential in building a clubhouse culture centered on work ethic, humility, and ambition. Teammates frequently talk about how he raises the standard every single day—how his commitment to greatness pushes everyone else to give just a little more. It’s no coincidence that several Dodgers are in the running for All-Star spots themselves. Ohtani’s impact is infectious.

And let’s not forget the fans. Without their support, none of this would be possible. The voting process is entirely fan-driven in Phase 1, and Ohtani’s landslide win is proof of just how beloved he is. Fans turned out in record numbers to make their voices heard, not just from California but globally. Japanese fans once again mobilized en masse, while American supporters kept social media buzzing with highlights, stats, and calls to vote. Ohtani bridges continents and cultures in a way few athletes ever have.

Looking forward, the All-Star Game is just the beginning of what could be a memorable second half of the season. If Ohtani keeps up his pace, there’s little doubt he’ll be in the MVP conversation again—and perhaps even chasing a Triple Crown. The Dodgers, too, are primed for a deep postseason run, and Ohtani will be at the heart of it all. Whether in October or July, big moments seem to follow him, and he seems born to rise to them.

It’s hard to find comparisons for Shohei Ohtani because there really aren’t any. He’s a unicorn in the purest sense of the word—a player whose combination of skills, discipline, charisma, and work ethic has never been seen before. And while the baseball world has known about his greatness for several years, his continued dominance and rising popularity only reinforce the notion that we’re witnessing something truly historic.

Even seasoned veterans of the game, from managers to broadcasters to former MVPs, admit that Ohtani continues to surprise them. His improvement year after year shows that he’s not content to just be great—he wants to be legendary. And if his current trajectory holds, he’ll be a first-ballot Hall of Famer someday with a resume unlike any other.

But for now, it’s about savoring the moment. Shohei Ohtani is the National League’s starting designated hitter for the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, and the baseball world is better for it. Fans will pack the stadium, tune in on their screens, and wait for that magical crack of the bat that only Ohtani can deliver. His selection is a victory not just for one player, but for the entire sport. It reminds us why we love baseball—because sometimes, we get to witness the impossible become reality.

So congratulations to Shohei Ohtani. Congratulations for leading all National League players in All-Star voting. Congratulations for being named the starting DH. But most of all, congratulations for continuing to inspire. You make baseball better. You make history come alive. And as long as you’re on the field, the world will keep watching.