In baseball, very few players are the blend of artistry and talent. Shohei Ohtani is one of those rarities, a player who is beyond the norms, dominating both the plate and mound. For Jackson Holliday, the Baltimore Orioles’ rising star, Ohtani’s dual-threat dominance has become the blueprint for his own development. And it certainly should be for most people.
And if you think Jackson’s inspiration is rooted just in Ohtani’s power or precision of bat, then you might be wrong!
It’s the unique mechanics and graceful rhythm of his swing that Jackson Holliday looks to replicate. When asked about his adjustments and thought process on the plate, Holliday opened up about one significant change. “I mean towards the end of last year, kind of messed with the toe tap. Honestly trying to hit like Shohei Ohtani one day,” he shared with MLB Network.
Big Leaguers watching Big Leaguers
Jackson Holliday credits his success with a toe tap to “trying to hit like Shohei Ohtani.” pic.twitter.com/SQmt6w8qHV
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 16, 2025
“Just kinda went with it, and, hey, that looks pretty good.” This wasn’t just a casual tweak for the young hitter. Holliday’s shift to the toe tap was a conscious choice, inspired by the raw power that Ohtani effortlessly brings to the game. The toe tap, a move where a hitter raises and then plants their front foot before swinging, was something Holliday began experimenting with. And it surely worked and became a part of his routine.
By the final games of the season, the adjustments had fruited results. “I roll it outward in the last few games of the season, played pretty well, and kinda built off that during the offseason.”
Jackson Holliday’s commitment to refining his swing continued into the offseason, where he further developed it. He felt a sense of confidence, knowing he was one step closer to elevating his game to Ohtani’s level.
While Holliday’s quest to mirror Shohei Ohtani is still in its early stages, the results speak for themselves. It’s clear his journey is one of constant evolution, and with each swing, he moves closer to the greatness he aspires to achieve.
Jackson Holliday gears up for a stronger 2025
After a tough rookie season in 2024 with the Baltimore Orioles, Jackson Holliday is primed for a fresh start in 2025. The 21-year-old showed flashes of brilliance during his first year at the Majors. However, he lacked consistency last year.
But now, having spent his offseason in Stillwater, Oklahoma, making adjustments and honing his skills, Jackson Holliday’s poised for a comeback. Working alongside his father, former MLB All-Star Matt Holliday, he is determined to prove himself.
“I understand pretty much what happened last year, and I don’t think he needs to come up to me and remind me,” Holliday said about his struggles in 2024. Last year, Jackson hit just .189 with 69 strikeouts in 208 plate appearances. “I know what I need to do. I know I need to cut down strikeouts and continue to hit mistakes and hit fastballs.”
His focus is on improving his plate discipline and making better contact at the plate. With Spring Training on the horizon, Holliday is eager to put his offseason work to the test. “I’m pretty confident,” he said, expressing optimism about his progress.
As he heads into the 2025 season, Jackson Holliday’s mindset and drive show he’s ready to take the next step.
The post Orioles’ 21YO Pitcher Credits Shohei Ohtani Behind Major Success, Reveals Desire to Emulate Rival Superstar appeared first on EssentiallySports.
