Ohtani-mania continues to spread as Angels star takes MLB by storm

Angles P/DH Shohei Ohtani may have lasted only 2/3 inning last night in his start against the Yankees, but his only trip to N.Y. this season continues to have people taking notice of his remarkable run in '21. Bally Sports West and ESPN play-by-play announcer Matt Vasgersian called Ohtani the “best player in the sport” and said he is “going to be the face of baseball, if he isn’t already,” if he shines in the All-Star Game later this month. Vasgersian, noting Cardinals DE J.J. Watt and Nets F Kevin Durant recently have been tweeting about Ohtani, said, “When other high-level athletes from the other major sports take notice, for baseball, that’s a big deal” ( “Bart & Hahn,” ESPN Radio, 6/30). ESPN’s David Jacoby said a “lot of people are missing out on the greatest show in sports” because Ohtani plays on the West Coast and the Angels do not appear on many national TV games. Jacoby: “If he played in the Bronx or if he played at Chavez Ravine, he would get so much more coverage. He deserves it” ( “Jalen & Jacoby,” ESPN2, 6/30).