#Shortstops: A Superstar’s Bat from a Legendary Day

On April 16, 2021, the Los Angeles Angels celebrated Jackie Robinson Day with a memorable game against the Minnesota Twins, honoring the legacy of the pioneering Hall of Famer. During this game, Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani made a notable contribution while serving as the designated hitter.

In the sixth inning, Ohtani singled for his only hit of the game. The bat, broken during the at-bat, symbolizes both the power and the challenges of the game, highlighting Ohtani's determination and skill. The Angels won the game decisively, defeating the Twins 10-3.

The bat fragment, painted black, includes the taper, barrel, and barrel end. Central to the barrel is a white-painted manufacturer logo, with Japanese characters above the "Goldstage / Birch" marking in white at the end of the barrel. An MLB Authentication hologram sticker is positioned above the Japanese characters, and the barrel end is distinctly cupped.

Ohtani donated the bat to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, where it has a permanent home along with several other pieces generously donated by the now-Dodgers slugger.

Born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan, Ohtani gained international fame for his dual-role capabilities, drawing comparisons to Babe Ruth. He joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 after a successful career with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league. In MLB, Ohtani has consistently demonstrated exceptional power at the plate and dominance on the mound, making him one of the most unique players in the sport.

Some of his career highlights include winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award,  becoming the first player in MLB history to be named an All-Star as both a pitcher and a hitter and winning the AL Most Valuable Player Award in 2021 and 2023.

Jackie Robinson Day is a special occasion in MLB, with all players wearing the number 42 to honor Robinson's legacy and his impact on the sport. Ohtani's performance, including the broken bat, became a part of this celebratory day, adding to the rich history of baseball and the ongoing recognition of Jackie Robinson's contributions to the game and society.

Megan Basurto is a 2024 programming intern in the Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Leadership Development