Two-Way Dreams: How Shohei Ohtani Inspires College Baseball Players

Shohei Ohtani has redefined baseball by excelling at both pitching and hitting and has inspired student-athletes at The City College of New York (CCNY). “Doing both requires a ton of work and discipline, but watching Ohtani shows me it is possible,” said Erik Rank, a junior shortstop and pitcher.

Ohtani’s two-way play is rare but has been seen before in professional baseball. Babe Ruth was a two-way player in 1918 and 1919, pitching over 100 innings and making over 200 plate appearances each season. Bullet Rogan, a Negro League star, pitched over 1,400 innings and had around 2,000 plate appearances in the 1920s as well. But Ohtani reshaped two-play as an effective modern tactic.

Since he joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, Ohtani has shattered baseball norms. He was awarded the American League’s Rookie of the Year in 2018 and MVP awards in 2021 and 2023. He has consistently been tapped for All-Star game appearances and has delivered record-breaking performances throughout his career. In 2024, after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, earning him another MVP award. That year, his record-breaking home run ball sold for $4.39 million, cementing his spot in sports history.

Shortstop Eric Rank said trying to follow the Ohtani example isn’t so easy. “It’s like living two separate lives on the field,” Rank joked. “As a pitcher, I focus on shutting opposing hitters down. Then as a hitter, I’m looking to get on base and help my team get runs across.” Rank emphasized the need for time management and a constant dedication to practice in both areas. “You have to spend just as much time perfecting your swing as you do working on your pitching mechanics. It’s all about putting in equal time at both to succeed,” he said.

Erik Rank pitching. Photo by Wing Tang.

CCNY Junior Kevin Budzinski feels the same way, but his role as a second baseman and relief pitcher gives him special challenges. “Switching between defense and pitching is tough. It’s a completely different mindset. Ohtani makes it look so easy, but I know firsthand how much work goes into it.” Budzinski said. Ohtani’s work ethic set a new standard for him and other CCNY baseball players. Budzinski, inspired by Ohtani, has implemented new drills to improve both skills. “He shows us that greatness doesn’t come easy. “If I want to be great, I need to work harder than everyone else,” he said.

Kevin Budzinski at bat. Photo by his mom, Lynn Budzinski.

As the college baseball season approaches, Rank and Budzinski will face the physical and mental challenges required for two-way players in the spring. But they dream of following in Ohtani’s footsteps and helping their team achieve a winning season.

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