In a moment that instantly commanded attention across Major League Baseball, Pedro Martínez, one of the most respected voices in the sport, stepped forward to defend Shohei Ohtani.
Martínez did not hedge his words. He did not soften his stance. Instead, the Hall of Fame pitcher spoke with clarity and conviction — the kind that only comes from someone who understands both greatness and pressure at the highest level.
“When you talk about Shohei Ohtani,” Martínez said, “you’re talking about someone doing things we may never see again.”
Pedro Martínez is not just another former player offering commentary. He is a legend who dominated an era, faced relentless scrutiny, and carried the burden of expectations night after night.
When someone like Martínez speaks, baseball listens.
His defense of Ohtani comes at a time when the two-way superstar has faced increased criticism, debate, and unrealistic expectations — not because of failure, but because of unprecedented success.
According to Martínez, much of the criticism surrounding Ohtani reflects a misunderstanding of what fans are witnessing in real time.
“We are spoiled,” Martínez explained. “People forget how hard this game is. What Ohtani does is not normal.”
Martínez emphasized that instead of nitpicking Ohtani’s performances or questioning his value, the baseball world should be appreciating a player who is redefining the sport.
Martínez framed Ohtani not just as a superstar, but as an asset to baseball itself.
“He brings fans from everywhere,” Martínez said. “Different countries, different cultures. That matters.”
In an era where MLB continues to search for ways to grow its global audience, Ohtani represents something rare — a bridge between baseball traditions and the future of the sport.
Martínez warned that constant scrutiny risks alienating the very talent that makes the game special.
One of Martínez’s strongest points centered on perspective. He reminded fans that even the greatest players in history had limitations — and that Ohtani is already exceeding what was once thought possible.
“We never asked anyone else to be perfect at two things,” Martínez said. “Why are we asking that of him?”
That question resonated deeply across social media, where fans echoed Martínez’s frustration with unrealistic expectations placed on Ohtani.
The response was immediate. Fans praised Martínez for speaking up, calling his comments “necessary,” “refreshing,” and “long overdue.”
Former players also chimed in, supporting the idea that Ohtani should be celebrated, not dissected.
“You don’t criticize history while it’s happening,” one former All-Star wrote. “You appreciate it.”
Notably, Ohtani himself has remained silent, as he often does. His response to controversy has always been performance, preparation, and professionalism.
Martínez pointed this out as well.
“He lets his game talk,” Martínez said. “That’s the mark of someone who respects baseball.”
Martínez’s defense may not end the debate, but it changes the tone. When legends step in, conversations shift.
His message was not just about Ohtani — it was about how baseball treats its icons while they are still playing.
Pedro Martínez didn’t need to say anything. But he chose to.
In doing so, he reminded the baseball world of a simple truth: greatness should be protected, not punished.
Shohei Ohtani is not a problem to be solved. He is a gift to be appreciated.
And when legends defend legends in the making, the game is better for it.
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