Being a two-way player is not easy, irrespective of the sport. Whether it’s baseball or football, two-way play takes a lot on the body and a unique quality to find among the players. Shohei Ohtani’s body takes a beating from 100-mph fastballs and full-power swings, while CFB phenom Travis Hunter absorbs tackles and sprints for deep passes. So, who’s carrying the heavier burden? Well, Hunter thinks it’s football, and MLB veteran Trevor May voted for MLB.
What makes it different to play as a two-way player in the NFL and MLB? In football, there isn’t enough time between plays to sustain the energy needed to finish the game. The players are moving at full speed forward, and it’s not just sprinting—they’re also getting physical, which puts a lot of strain on the body. On the other hand, baseball demands unique and opposite skills. High-level hitting and pitching have somewhat different demands, necessitating distinct body types and training schedules, making it challenging to maximize both at the same time.
“I’m sorry Travis, I see where you’re coming from, but no.”@IamTrevorMay responds to Travis Hunter’s claim that playing cornerback and wide receiver is more impressive than Shohei Ohtani hitting and pitching @SiriusXMNFL
https://t.co/fGPbvbj8w4 pic.twitter.com/7uGLRireQH
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 2, 2025
Well, a two-way player is always about putting everything on the line to perform, and it doesn’t make one player ahead of another. However, Hunter was asked if his two-way playing abilities are tougher than those of Ohtani during the NFL scouting combine press meet. “Probably… what I do in football,” Hunter responded. “Because it’s a lot on your body. You know Ohtani, he’s a great player, but you gotta do a lot in football.” Enough to create a stir between NFL and MLB! Expectedly, it didn’t take much time for a rebuttal. “I’m sorry, Travis, I see where you’re coming from, but no,” said MLB veteran Trevor May.
Leaving aside the comparison between Ohtani and Hunter, both have an exciting year ahead.
Dodgers banking on Ohtani’s magic while NFL future looms for Hunter
Travis Hunter is just 21 and already recorded 36 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and four interceptions in his role as a cornerback last season. Also, he has 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a wide receiver. However, Hunter will play only as a defensive back at the NFL Scouting Combine. According to the experts, Hunter will have to choose between the two since it will be too challenging to go both ways. Nevertheless, the NFL draft 2025 is all set to witness the crazy contention for the Heisman Trophy winner. A new star is in the making.
On the other hand, Ohtani has been posting class-leading figures for the last seven years. For reference, he has not pitched in the last 2 years due to injury; this year, he is all set to pitch again. Ohtani last pitched in 2023, ending that year with 44 HRs and 10 wins as a pitcher. After a long hiatus, the Dodgers are expecting to see him again as a two-way player this year. While the fans are waiting to see him again throwing those fireballs, he is surely working towards achieving the greatest-of-all-time tag.
Thus, instead of comparing the two, why not sit back and appreciate Ohtani’s primetime dominance and the rise of football’s next big thing?
What do you think—which sport is tougher for a two-way player?
The post Ex-Mets Pitcher Fuels MLB Uproar Over Shohei Ohtani’s Disrespectful Snub by CFB Phenom Travis Hunter appeared first on EssentiallySports.
