"Shohei Ohtani's got to be Emperor Palpatine" - Gunnar Henderson's MLB counterparts for Yoda, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke Skywalker & more
Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles compared MLB stars such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. to characters of the sci-fi epic "Star Wars," alongside Mookie Betts of the LA Dodgers on Friday's episode of "On Base."
Henderson started with himself, Aaron Judge and teammate Adley Rutschman.
"[28:50] A lot of people say I look like Hayden Christensen, so I'll be Darth Vader. I feel like he [Aaron Judge] would have to be Yoda. Yoda's the smallest character, but he's the leader of the Jedis. Being the captain, and doing what he's doing year in year out [Judge would be similar to Yoda]. I feel like Adley would be a good Obi-Wan [Kenobi]."
He then talked about his ideal counterparts for Bobby Witt Jr., Corbin Burnes and Shohei Ohtani.
"I think I've seen him [Bobby Witt Jr.] with a Luke Skywalker bobblehead, so it's lining up for Luke Skywalker. Just 'cause he had long hair, we're gonna go with Chewbacca for Corbin Burnes. Shohei Ohtani's gotta be Emperor Palpatine. He's one of the most powerful characters, so I think that ties in pretty well," Henderson added.
Henderson has had a solid 2024 season with the Orioles as his side challenges for the AL East title and is well-positioned to make it to the playoffs. On the other hand, Betts had a major injury disrupt his campaign when he suffered a fractured left hand but has enjoyed a good run of form since his return to the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani makes history with 43-43 season as Dodgers beat Diamondbacks
The LA Dodgers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in the opening game of the series at Chase Field on Friday by a score of 10-9. With the visitors leading by five runs in the last inning, the home side rallied for four runs to make it an interesting finale but ultimately came up just short.
The mercurial Shohei Ohtani continues to make MLB history as he recorded the first-ever 43/43 season with a stolen base and a home run in Friday's game. Favorite for the NL MVP award this season, Ohtani is batting at a .294 average, 43 home runs and 96 RBIs.
Next, the Dodgers take on the Diamondbacks once again in the second game of the four-game series aiming to add to their win in the opener. In-form pitcher Gavin Stone will take the mound for the visitors after registering quality appearances in his last four.