Los Angeles Angels fans react as Shohei Ohtani becomes first player to violate pitch clock as batter and pitcher in same game: "What can he not do?" 

Los Angeles Angels phenomenon Shohei Ohtani made history yet again Wednesday, although we're not sure he'll want the honor.

Ohtani, who started on the mound for the Angels in the rubber game of a road series at the Seattle Mariners, became the first player in MLB history to record a pitch clock violation as both a pitcher and a batter in the same game.

Rob Friedman

@PitchingNinja

Shohei Ohtani: 1st Player ever to have a Pitch Clock Violation as a Pitcher AND Hitter. 🍾

🦄

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Shohei Ohtani: 1st Player ever to have a Pitch Clock Violation as a Pitcher AND Hitter. 🍾

🦄 https://t.co/dLlkz9Ff9u

In the first inning of a 4-3 win over the Seattle Mariners, home plate umpire Pat Hoberg called Ohtani for a pitch clock violation as he was attempting to deliver to Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh. Raleigh earned a free ball as a result.

Later, Ohtani did not get into the batter's box to receive a pitch from Seattle hurler Matt Brash in time and Brash was awarded a strike. However, Ohtani still managed to work out a walk in the at-bat.

As Ohtani is the only pitcher/batter combo in MLB and both leagues do not use the designated hitter, the Angels superstar was pretty much an even-money bet to be the first to achieve the dubious honor.

Short Sternum Steve

@SternumSteve

@PitchingNinja What can he not do??

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@PitchingNinja What can he not do??

Big League Chew Dynasty Baseball ⚾️

@BigLeagueChew01

@PitchingNinja He's breaking all of the records

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@PitchingNinja He's breaking all of the records

KHill

@KevDawg673

@PitchingNinja There’s nothing he can’t do.

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@PitchingNinja There’s nothing he can’t do.

While many MLB fans still like to compare Shohei Ohtani and Babe Ruth – the last major league player to excel to such a high level as a pitcher and hitter (although not at the same time) – Wednesday's achievement is something Ruth never could have hoped to attain. Yes, strictly because the pitch clock was still a century away when he played, but the point stands.

Urinal Cake Boss

@JAHGriff

@PitchingNinja Babe Ruth literally could never

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@PitchingNinja Babe Ruth literally could never

Ken Hill

@khillj

@PitchingNinja It's just like that time Babe Ruth stepped out of the batters box, pointed to the bleachers beyond the outfield wall & then struck out on a pitch clock violation. Absolutely classic baseball stuff. Thank you commissioner.

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@PitchingNinja It's just like that time Babe Ruth stepped out of the batters box, pointed to the bleachers beyond the outfield wall & then struck out on a pitch clock violation. Absolutely classic baseball stuff. Thank you commissioner.

soratonin

@_soratonin

@PitchingNinja Might be the only one for a while

@PitchingNinja Might be the only one for a while

Wednesday's dual pitch-clock violations only help to propel the ever-blossoming legend of Ohtani. As for the game itself, Ohtani wasn't at his best, but still earned the win with six innings of three-hit, one-run ball with eight strikeouts in the 4-3 Angels win. He went 1-for-2 with two walks and an RBI.

Small Ball

@smallballin

@PitchingNinja Say what you will about the clock, but this is history

@PitchingNinja Say what you will about the clock, but this is history

Rob F

@TheMayorRobF

@PitchingNinja guys claiming milestones left and right

@PitchingNinja guys claiming milestones left and right

Asinwreck

@asinwreck

@PitchingNinja Now we know what is going on his Hall of Fame plaque.

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@PitchingNinja Now we know what is going on his Hall of Fame plaque.

Now, we're almost completely certain that this is not what is meant by a "two-way" player.

Handjobs for Ewoks

@jeauboux

@PitchingNinja @alexjmoretto ohtani on tinder

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@PitchingNinja @alexjmoretto ohtani on tinder https://t.co/2c14RT4zoN

Shohei Ohtani solid in the first week of 2023 season

Fans cheer for Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels before the game against the Seattle Mariners.

Ohtani lifted his batting average to .286 Wednesday. He has two home runs and six RBI one week into the season.

He earned his first win on the mound Wednesday, although his ERA did rise from 0.00 to 0.75. He'll have to watch that earned-run bloat to once again contend for the American League MVP and Cy Young awards.

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