Shohei Ohtani is the AP Male Athlete of the Year
Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani has been named The Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years. Ohtani’s remarkable performances both in Major League Baseball (MLB) and for Japan’s team in the World Baseball Classic earned him this prestigious accolade.
Ohtani’s talent knows no bounds, and his abilities on the field have captured the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide. The Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed him to a groundbreaking 10-year contract worth $700 million, a testament to his unrivaled skills.
The AP Male Athlete of the Year award was decided by a panel of sports media professionals, who chose Ohtani over other notable contenders such as Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and tennis champion Novak Djokovic. Ohtani received 20 out of 87 votes, while Messi and Djokovic secured 16 votes each. Nikola Jokic, the NBA Finals MVP from the Denver Nuggets, received 12 votes.
This honor marks the second time Ohtani has been named the AP Male Athlete of the Year, joining an illustrious group of two-time winners that includes legendary figures such as Carl Lewis, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods.
Since his debut in the majors six years ago, Ohtani has shattered conventions and surpassed even the achievements of baseball icon Babe Ruth. He has seamlessly excelled as both a pitcher and a hitter, a feat that few players in the history of the sport have accomplished. Ohtani’s exceptional performances have revolutionized the game, mesmerizing fans and experts alike.
In 2023, Ohtani’s prowess was on full display. He led the American League (AL) in numerous categories, including home runs, extra-base hits, and total bases, all while maintaining a stellar on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). On the pitching front, he stood out with an impressive strikeout rate and a formidable earned run average (ERA).
Ohtani’s achievements extended beyond the MLB. He played a pivotal role in Japan’s triumph at the World Baseball Classic earlier in the year. Displaying his versatility, Ohtani made significant contributions both on the mound and at the plate, leading Japan to victory. In the championship game against the United States, he delivered the final out by striking out his Angels teammate Mike Trout, a moment that added an exclamation point to his exceptional year.
The Angels’ star player has overcome injury setbacks in the past, and unfortunately, he will miss the 2024 season due to a second surgery on his pitching elbow. However, Ohtani’s value as a hitter remains unwavering, and the Dodgers’ investment in him exemplifies his standing as one of the most impactful athletes in baseball.
Joining the Dodgers, a team renowned for its success and winning culture, Ohtani expressed his excitement about embracing the organization’s vision and history. He acknowledged the passionate fan base and the team’s commitment to excellence, emphasizing the shared values that influenced his decision to join the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani’s journey showcases his determination, skill, and unparalleled talent. Awarded the AP Male Athlete of the Year for the second time in three years, he continues to captivate the baseball world with his remarkable achievements. As fans eagerly anticipate his debut with the Dodgers, the stage is set for Ohtani to further etch his name in the annals of baseball history.
