Dodgers' Ohtani Lands Two Spots on Sporting News' 140 Greatest Sports Moments

The two-way superstar has already etched his name in sports history.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:53pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been featured twice in Sporting News' list of the 140 Greatest Sports Moments since 1886, an incredible feat for a player who has only been in the majors for a few years. Ohtani's iconic moments include a dramatic strikeout of teammate Mike Trout in the World Baseball Classic championship game and a dominant pitching and hitting performance in the 2023 NLCS.

Why it matters

Ohtani's inclusion on this prestigious list at such a young age highlights his status as one of the greatest athletes of this generation. His ability to excel as both a power hitter and dominant pitcher is unparalleled, and the two moments chosen showcase his flair for the dramatic and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments.

The details

Ohtani's first appearance on the list came for his strikeout of Angels teammate Mike Trout in the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game, a matchup that was billed as one of the most anticipated head-to-head battles in recent memory. Ohtani then earned his second spot on the list for his performance in Game 4 of the 2023 NLCS, where he threw six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts and also hit three home runs as the Dodgers' designated hitter.

  • In the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game, Ohtani struck out Trout in a pivotal at-bat.
  • In Game 4 of the 2023 NLCS, Ohtani had a dominant pitching and hitting performance for the Dodgers.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani is considered one of the greatest athletes of his generation due to his ability to excel as both a power hitter and dominant pitcher.

Mike Trout

An All-Star outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels and Ohtani's teammate, Trout faced off against Ohtani in a highly anticipated matchup in the 2023 World Baseball Classic championship game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Shohei Ohtani's inclusion on Sporting News' list of the 140 Greatest Sports Moments, with two separate entries, is a testament to his status as one of the most iconic and dominant athletes of his generation. His ability to excel at the highest level as both a hitter and pitcher has cemented his legacy, and the two moments chosen - the dramatic strikeout of Mike Trout and the dominant pitching and hitting performance in the playoffs - showcase his flair for the dramatic and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments.