Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani May Be Best Modern Day Athlete Ever

BusinessSportsMoneyLos Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani May Be Best Modern Day Athlete EverByBernie Pleskoff,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Bernie Pleskoff is a former professional Major League Baseball scout Follow AuthorJun 04, 2026, 02:15am EDTLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts after a pitch during the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium on May 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)Getty ImagesSaying Shohei Ohtani may be the best athlete in modern history is not just hyperbole.There may be a case for the late Jim Thorpe, who played professionally in track and field, football, baseball, and basketball.Or perhaps there are other professional athletes deserving of being called the best ever.Naming the best overall athlete in modern times is very subjective. A case can be made for countless wonderful athletes, as is noted below for each major professional sport.Sports fans are fortunate to have been able to see heroic feats performed by amazing athletes under bright lights, high scrutiny and immense pressure.For this old scout, watching Ohtani hit, run, and pitch are very special momentsOhtani, who turns 32 in July, is doing things on a Major League Baseball field that many would say are highly improbable, or even impossible.The left-handed hitting Ohtani has tremendous power, speed, and a disciplined hit tool on offense.LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 27: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on May 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMORE FOR YOUThe right-handed pitching Ohtani has impeccable command and control, a blazing fastball that has touched 100 miles per hour, and a knee buckling arsenal that includes a four-seam fastball, a sinking fastball, a slider, a curveball, a...