MLB Network is set to honor one of the most transformative figures the sport has ever seen with a full day dedicated entirely to Shohei Ohtani. Dubbed “Shohei Day,” the network-wide celebration will air this Wednesday, Jan. 7, beginning at 9 a.m. ET.

It will feature wall-to-wall programming centered on the global superstar’s unprecedented impact on baseball. The date itself carries symbolic weight, as Jan. 7 — or 1/7 — pays tribute to the No. 17 Ohtani has worn since his Major League debut in 2018.

Across the day, MLB Network will showcase a curated mix of classic games, studio analysis, original features, and social media content highlighting Ohtani’s most defining moments.

The celebration reflects not only Ohtani’s remarkable on-field accomplishments, but also his cultural influence, as he continues to draw fans from around the world and reshape expectations of what a single player can achieve.

Few athletes in modern sports history have matched Ohtani’s resume. Since arriving in the majors, he has excelled simultaneously as an elite hitter and frontline pitcher, a feat long considered impossible at the highest level.

That two-way dominance has resulted in multiple championships with the Los Angeles Dodgers, four unanimous Most Valuable Player Awards, and four AP Male Athlete of the Year honors — accolades that underscore both his consistency and his historical significance.

The backbone of “Shohei Day” will be the rebroadcast of two performances that encapsulate his brilliance.

One afternoon slot will revisit Ohtani’s Sept. 19, 2024, game in which he made history by becoming the first player ever to join the 50/50 club, a milestone that further cemented his place in the record books.

Later in the evening, MLB Network will air Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series, a contest that perfectly illustrated Ohtani’s two-way excellence as he dominated on the mound while also delivering an unforgettable offensive performance that included multiple home runs.

MLB Network’s live studio shows will also lean heavily into the celebration. "Hot Stove" and "MLB Tonight" will feature extended discussions, analysis, and storytelling centered on Ohtani’s career arc, with hosts and analysts breaking down how his skills have evolved over time.

Special segments will spotlight his most iconic moments, while detailed film breakdowns will examine the mechanics and mindset that have allowed him to thrive as a generational talent.

The day’s programming culminates with “Best of Shohei,” a two-hour original special designed to give fans an immersive viewing experience. Rather than quick highlights, the show will feature extended sequences and full half-innings from Ohtani’s most memorable games, offering a deeper appreciation of the moments that define his legacy.

All “Shohei Day” content will be available through MLB Network’s direct-to-consumer platforms, including MLB.TV and the MLB App, ensuring fans can tune in throughout the day.

Together, the programming serves as both a celebration of Ohtani’s past achievements and a recognition that his influence on the game is still very much unfolding.

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