Shohei Ohtani Sets All-Star Record With Historic Sixth Start as Designated Hitter
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has earned another place in baseball history after becoming the first player to receive six All-Star Game starts as a designated hitter.
- Glenn Catubig
- 4 min read
Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine baseball excellence, adding another milestone to an already remarkable career before the 2026 All-Star Game. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar has been voted the National League’s starting designated hitter, extending his streak of All-Star appearances while setting a new record at his position.
The honor came after Ohtani finished as the leading vote-getter during Phase 1 of Major League Baseball’s fan voting. His overwhelming support from fans secured an automatic starting role and underscored his status as one of the sport’s most recognizable and accomplished players.
The selection carries added historical significance. Ohtani’s sixth All-Star start as a designated hitter moves him ahead of one of baseball’s most celebrated sluggers, further cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats even though he remains in the prime of his career.
With another dominant season on both the mound and at the plate, Ohtani has once again proven why he remains one of the most valuable players in baseball. His latest achievement reflects not only exceptional performance but also the admiration he continues to receive from fans across the sport.
1. Ohtani Breaks Longstanding All-Star Record
Ohtani’s latest All-Star selection places him alone atop one of baseball’s notable records. By earning his sixth career start as a designated hitter, he surpassed Hall of Fame slugger David Ortiz, who previously shared the record with five starts at the position. The achievement highlights Ohtani’s remarkable consistency over several seasons. While designated hitters have traditionally been recognized for offensive production alone, Ohtani has elevated the position by combining elite hitting with top-level pitching whenever healthy. This year’s voting also produced another personal milestone. Ohtani received more fan votes than any other player in Major League Baseball during Phase 1, marking the first time he has finished as the overall leader in fan balloting. That accomplishment speaks to his enormous popularity throughout the league. Since arriving in Major League Baseball, Ohtani has become one of the game’s biggest international stars, attracting fans with his rare ability to dominate in multiple aspects of the sport.
2. Outstanding Two-Way Season Fuels Fan Support
Ohtani’s historic selection has been driven by another exceptional campaign. Although he experienced a relatively slow offensive start, the Dodgers star quickly returned to the elite production that has become expected throughout his career. Entering the All-Star break, Ohtani owns a .295 batting average along with a .414 on-base percentage and a .549 slugging percentage. His .963 OPS ranks among the league’s best, while his team-leading 17 home runs have once again made him one of the Dodgers’ most dangerous hitters. His impact has extended far beyond offense. Ohtani has also excelled on the pitching mound, compiling a sparkling 1.58 earned run average that ranks among the top starters in Major League Baseball with at least 50 innings pitched. That rare combination of elite hitting and dominant pitching continues to separate Ohtani from every other player in the sport. His ability to influence games in multiple ways has helped establish him as the face of modern baseball while strengthening his growing legacy.
3. Dodgers Could Have Strong All-Star Representation
Although Ohtani has already secured his place in the National League starting lineup as the designated hitter, his All-Star participation may not be limited to that role. Depending on additional selections, he could also receive recognition as one of the league’s top pitchers. His two-way excellence leaves open the possibility of earning an additional pitching selection through either the player ballot or the Commissioner’s Office, further highlighting the uniqueness of his skill set. The Dodgers could also be one of the most heavily represented teams at this year’s Midsummer Classic. Seven additional Los Angeles players have advanced to the second phase of fan voting, giving the club an opportunity to place several starters alongside Ohtani in the National League lineup. As the All-Star Game approaches at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on July 14, Ohtani once again finds himself at the center of baseball’s biggest summer showcase. With records continuing to fall and another outstanding season unfolding, the 31-year-old continues to strengthen a career that is already being discussed among the greatest the game has ever seen.