Barry Bonds critiques Shohei Ohtani’s stardom, asserting that today’s MLB is “way different” from the era he played in. The legendary slugger, known for his record-breaking achievements, believes that while Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities as a hitter and pitcher are impressive, they may not carry the same weight as accomplishments from past generations.
Acknowledging Ohtani’s remarkable two-way talent, Bonds emphasized that the current game has evolved, providing advantages that players like Ohtani enjoy. “There’s no doubt about the type of player he is and what he [has] accomplished in his career,” Bonds stated. “The game has just changed. The game is way different than it was when I played,” he added, drawing parallels to how athletes like Michael Jordan have also noted shifts in their respective sports.
Bonds further elaborated, explaining that Ohtani may not face the same physical challenges that players of his generation did. “Ohtani is not going to hit two home runs without seeing one go [by his ear] in my generation,” he remarked, highlighting the more aggressive nature of the game during his time. “He’s not going to steal two bases without somebody decapitating his kneecap to slow him down because it’s a different game back then.”
Bonds also pointed out the changing attitudes towards celebrations and confrontations in baseball. He noted that the current culture allows players to express themselves more freely, unlike in his day when such actions could lead to serious repercussions. “If I did anything like that, I’m going to see a star. I’m going to see a hospital, but I’m not going to see baseball that day,” he quipped, emphasizing the stark contrast in player interactions.
Ohtani recently completed a historic 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases. His impressive statistics included 130 RBIs, a 9.2 WAR, and a .310/.390/.646 slash line, culminating in a World Series victory for the Dodgers.
Despite his accolades, Ohtani has not pitched since 2023 due to a torn UCL in his elbow. In his previous 86 starts, he maintained a 3.01 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and recorded 608 strikeouts over 481 2/3 innings. He spent the first six seasons of his MLB career with the Los Angeles Angels.
On the other hand, Bonds remains a polarizing figure in baseball history. He holds the MLB record for the most home runs in a single season with 73 in 2001 and boasts a total of 762 career home runs. However, he has yet to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, largely due to his association with performance-enhancing drugs. Bonds’ illustrious career spanned 22 seasons, primarily with the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants, during which he earned multiple accolades, including two batting titles, seven MVP awards, and 12 Silver Slugger awards.
