Shohei Ohtani Wins Third AP Male Athlete Award

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Shohei Ohtani Wins Third AP Male Athlete Award \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Shohei Ohtani capped off an extraordinary 2024 by winning his third AP Male Athlete of the Year award, joining the ranks of Michael Jordan and other sports legends. His historic season included 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases, and an NL MVP award, all while leading the Dodgers to a World Series title. Off the field, Ohtani captivated fans worldwide, fueling record-breaking merchandise sales and bolstering his iconic status.

Shohei Ohtani’s Stellar Year Quick Looks:

Third AP Athlete Award: Ohtani joins Michael Jordan as a three-time winner, trailing only four-time recipients like LeBron James.
Unprecedented MLB Season: Achieved the 50/50 club with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases while batting .310.
Historic Contract: Signed a $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers in late 2023.
Dodgers’ Hero: Led the team to an eighth World Series championship, despite playing injured in the Series.
Off-Field Impact: Boosted Dodgers merchandise sales and attracted international sponsors, solidifying his global appeal.
Personal Milestones: Married former basketball player Mamiko Tanaka and overcame a scandal involving his former interpreter.

Deep Look

A Historic Honor: Three AP Athlete Awards

Shohei Ohtani once again solidified his place among the all-time greats by earning the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the third time in 2024. Ohtani’s achievement places him alongside Michael Jordan, who also won the honor three times, and just behind four-time winners like LeBron James and Tiger Woods.

“I’m very honored,” Ohtani said through his interpreter Matt Hidaka. “All the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again.”

Ohtani’s 2024 season captured the imagination of fans and sportswriters alike. Out of 74 sports journalists voting for the AP honor, 48 selected Ohtani. French swimmer Léon Marchand, who won four Olympic golds, and golfer Scottie Scheffler, a Masters champion, rounded out the top three.

Leading the Dodgers to Glory

The 2024 season marked a turning point for Ohtani, who transitioned from the Los Angeles Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers after signing a record $700 million, 10-year contract in December 2023. In his first year with the Dodgers, he claimed his third MVP award—his first in the National League—and led the team to its eighth World Series title.

Despite not pitching during the season as he rehabilitated from elbow surgery in late 2023, Ohtani dominated offensively. The 6-foot-4 designated hitter posted career highs with a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, and 59 stolen bases, creating Major League Baseball’s unprecedented 50/50 club.

A Performance for the Ages

One of Ohtani’s defining moments came in September during a game against the Miami Marlins, where he went 6-for-6 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, two stolen bases, and 17 total bases in a single game. The feat showcased his unmatched skill set and earned him comparisons to the greatest athletes in sports history.

“It wouldn’t shock me if he went 60/60 and won 20 games next year,” said Brad Ausmus, Ohtani’s former manager with the Angels. “This guy is the greatest athlete to ever play the sport of baseball, and there’s not a close second.”

Battling Through Adversity

Ohtani carried the Dodgers offensively throughout the regular season and into the playoffs. However, he injured his shoulder while stealing a base in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees. Despite playing hurt, Ohtani contributed to the Dodgers’ victory, which culminated in a championship celebration in early November.

He underwent surgery shortly after the World Series and has since focused on rehabilitation. “I don’t have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better,” Ohtani told the AP.

Off-Field Success and Personal Triumphs

Ohtani’s impact extended far beyond the diamond. Fans flocked to Dodger Stadium to watch him play, with many traveling from Japan. His No. 17 jersey became a bestseller, and the Dodgers attracted numerous Japanese sponsors. Special tours of Dodger Stadium featuring Japanese-speaking guides became a hit, further cementing Ohtani’s status as an international superstar.

Off the field, Ohtani revealed surprising personal news in February, announcing his marriage to former basketball player Mamiko Tanaka. However, his year wasn’t without challenges. His longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers after being accused of stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani and placing illegal bets.

Despite the scandal, Ohtani remained focused and unshaken, receiving public support from his teammates. The issue was resolved by midyear when Mizuhara pleaded guilty to fraud charges.

A Beloved Figure, On and Off the Field

Ohtani gave fans a glimpse of his lighter side during an August promotion where his dog, Decoy, delivered the first pitch on a shared bobblehead night. The heartwarming moment turned Decoy, a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, into a celebrity. Ohtani expressed pride in raising awareness for the rare breed, which gained attention in the media and at events like the National Dog Show.

The Road Ahead: More Records in Sight

As the Dodgers prepare to open the 2025 season in Japan, Ohtani remains laser-focused on returning to full health. “My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games start,” he said.

The Dodgers’ rotation is still uncertain, but Ohtani plans to take on pitching duties once he is ready. “It’s about pacing myself and seeing where we are as the season progresses,” he explained.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who has marveled at Ohtani’s talent and character, expressed excitement for what lies ahead: “As great as he is on the field, he’s an even better person. I’m just proud of everything he’s accomplished, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 holds.”