Ohtani’s Unstoppable Rise in Baseball History

Shohei Ohtani continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time. In 2024, he achieved another milestone, winning his third Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year Award, a feat equaled only by the legendary Michael Jordan. This honor places him just behind the likes of Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James, who each have four such accolades.

A Prestigious Honor for a Phenomenal Athlete

In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Ohtani expressed his gratitude:
“I am profoundly honored. All the arduous effort has yielded its rewards. Perhaps, next year will bring another such recognition.”

Ohtani garnered an impressive 48 points in a poll conducted among 74 distinguished sports journalists. His previous wins in 2023 and 2021, during his tenure with the Angels, underscore his consistent brilliance.

Reflecting on his inspirations, Ohtani shared:
“During my formative years in Japan, I closely followed the careers of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Their remarkable achievements in the United States served as a source of inspiration.”

The AP Male Athlete of the Year Award, established in 1931, has a storied history. While Ohtani’s three wins are remarkable, golfer Babe Didrikson holds the record with six awards.

A Record-Breaking Year in Baseball

The 2024 season was historic for Ohtani. After leaving the struggling Los Angeles Angels, he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he led the team to their eighth World Series championship. His performance redefined excellence:

• Home Runs: 54
• Stolen Bases: 59
• Batting Average: .310

Ohtani became the first MLB player to join the exclusive 50/50 club, setting a new benchmark in baseball. His offensive dominance earned him his third Most Valuable Player Award, his first in the National League.

A Landmark Contract with the Dodgers

In December 2023, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers—the largest in MLB history. Despite being sidelined from pitching in 2024 due to his second major elbow surgery, his impact as a two-way superstar remained unmatched.

During the season, Ohtani delivered one of the most memorable performances in MLB history. Against the Miami Marlins, he achieved:

• 6 Hits in 6 At-Bats
• 3 Home Runs
• 10 RBIs
• 2 Stolen Bases

This extraordinary feat solidified his place in baseball lore.

Overcoming Challenges and Rehabilitation

Ohtani’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. A shoulder injury sustained during Game 2 of the World Series required surgery shortly after the Dodgers’ championship win. Yet, Ohtani’s resilience shines through as he continues his rehabilitation.

“While full range of motion hasn’t been regained, significant improvement is evident,” Ohtani shared with the AP.

The Dodgers’ pitching rotation for 2025 remains uncertain, with discussions ongoing about whether to adopt a five- or six-man rotation. Regardless, Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities remain a critical asset for the team.

Global Impact and Off-Field Influence

Ohtani’s influence extends beyond the field:

• Increased attendance at Dodger games, driven by an influx of Japanese fans.
• Merchandise sales soared, with his iconic No. 17 jersey becoming a bestseller.
• New Japanese sponsors flocked to the Dodgers, generating significant revenue.

Despite his immense fame, Ohtani maintains a humble and private persona. His marriage announcement in February to Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball player, took fans and teammates by surprise.

A Look Ahead: The 2025 Season

The 2025 season holds immense promise for Ohtani and the Dodgers. The highly anticipated opener in Japan will place Ohtani under intense scrutiny in his homeland. His goal is clear: to achieve full health and return as a dominant two-way player.

As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remarked:
“He is undoubtedly the greatest athlete in the history of baseball.”

With his unparalleled talent and unwavering determination, Ohtani is poised to deliver even greater feats in the upcoming season. Fans and teammates alike eagerly await what could be another groundbreaking chapter in the story of Shohei Ohtani.