Fans in Los Angeles are not merely witnessing the performance of a top player in baseball, they are observing the capabilities of the finest athlete on the planet. This bold assertion comes from none other than Jerry Hairston Jr., a renowned former World Series champion who has a unique perspective on athletic excellence.

The veteran Major Leaguer engaged in an insightful conversation with TMZ Sports shortly after the Dodgers designated hitter achieved a remarkable victory against the Braves with a thrilling walk-off home run. Hairston passionately declared that Shohei Ohtani has now officially earned the title of the greatest sportsman alive, setting a new standard for athletic achievement.

Hairston humbly acknowledged, “No disrespect to Messi, nor to Patrick Mahomes or Jokic, who is experiencing another incredible season with the Nuggets. However, I firmly believe that at this moment, the best athlete on the planet is undoubtedly Shohei Ohtani.” His words resonate with the current sports climate, emphasizing Ohtani’s noteworthy accomplishments and unmatched versatility.

In Los Angeles, it’s hard to find anyone who would dispute this claim, especially after Ohtani’s spectacular performance during Wednesday night’s game at Dodger Stadium against the Atlanta Braves. His exceptional skills and athleticism left fans in awe, reinforcing Hairston’s assertion of Ohtani’s unparalleled talent.

Along with the game-winning home run, Ohtani also recorded two additional hits, significantly boosting his season batting average to an impressive .333. Fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming pitching appearances for the Dodgers, a fact that Hairston Jr. highlighted, emphasizing Ohtani’s dual-threat capability that sets him apart from other athletes.

“He excels in numerous aspects of the game,” the former Dodger remarked, capturing the essence of Ohtani’s multifaceted skill set that allows him to dominate both in hitting and pitching, which is a rare combination in the world of professional sports.