Los Angeles — Shohei Ohtani continues to make headlines as he was named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for 2024, earning this prestigious recognition for the third time. With this accolade, Ohtani matches the legendary Michael Jordan and positions himself behind only Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James, who have each been honored four times.
“I’m very honored,” Ohtani expressed through his translator, Matt Hidaka, during an exclusive discussion. “It’s a result of all my hard work. Perhaps next year, I’ll have a chance at winning it again.” In a vote involving 74 sports journalists affiliated with the AP, Ohtani secured 48 votes. He has previously won this title in 2023 and 2021 while playing for the Angels.
In his interview, Ohtani reflected on growing up in Japan, noting, “I followed the journeys of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods and admired their successes in the United States.” The AP has been granting this honor since 1931, with golfer Babe Didrikson holding the record for the most wins at six, more than any other athlete.
Coming in second place in this year’s voting was French swimmer Léon Marchand, who clinched four gold medals at the Paris Olympics, receiving 10 votes. Golfer Scottie Scheffler, a winner of both the Masters and an Olympic gold medal in 2024, finished third with nine votes. The announcement for the AP Female Athlete of the Year is scheduled for Tuesday.
After transitioning from a challenging stint with the Los Angeles Angels to the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani captured his third Most Valuable Player award and his first in the National League. He played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to their eighth World Series championship while becoming part of Major League Baseball’s exclusive 50/50 club, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases in the same season.
He signed a record-breaking $700 million, ten-year contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, further solidifying his status as a two-way superstar. Ohtani continued to elevate his profile even while sidelined from pitching due to recovery from major elbow surgery. On the offensive side, he shone brightly, recording a career-best batting average of .310, and surpassing his previous highs for home runs and stolen bases.
In a noted performance, Ohtani achieved the remarkable 50/50 milestone against the Miami Marlins, going 6 for 6 with three home runs, two stolen bases, and a staggering 10 RBIs. His former manager, Brad Ausmus, praised his incredible athletic abilities, suggesting he could potentially achieve a 60/60 season next year.
Aware of the Dodgers’ franchise record for homers in a season being 49, Ohtani aspired to exceed this benchmark, ultimately delighting in surpassing it with 54 home runs. He carried the Dodgers’ offense during the regular season, maintaining his health until Game 2 of the World Series. Unfortunately, he suffered a left shoulder injury while attempting to steal second base against the New York Yankees, impacting his performance in the Series.
Following the Dodgers’ championship celebrations in early November, Ohtani underwent surgery to address his shoulder issues. “I don’t have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better,” he stated. “There’s no pain, just a little tightness, but it’s gradually improving.” Ohtani has received a new rehabilitation plan and remains focused on his recovery.
“I’m taking small steps towards my ultimate goal of getting back to full health,” he said. Currently throwing at around 70 mph, he is set to carefully ramp up his training. The Dodgers’ rotation plans for next season remain uncertain, and Ohtani is attentive to how the team’s strategy may unfold.
“We might opt for a five-man rotation or a six-man setup,” he noted, emphasizing the need for balance in rest and recuperation as they pursue another playoff run. The upcoming 2025 season will kick off in Japan, a location where Ohtani is acutely observed. “My aim is to be fully healthy for the opening games. Being able to both pitch and hit would be ideal, but the circumstances will guide our approach.”
With immense expectations surrounding every at-bat and pitching appearance, Ohtani maintains a calm demeanor. “I focus on what I can control and trust my teammates to support me.” Off the field, Ohtani’s impact has been significant, drawing fans from Japan who came to witness his performances across the country, with many purchasing Ohtani-branded merchandise.
His presence also helped the Dodgers attract new sponsors from Japan. Despite preferring to communicate in Japanese with the media, Ohtani’s occasional humor charms those around him, as showcased during a postgame session where he casually said “Nope” when asked if he was nervous.
Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts admired Ohtani’s character, stating, “As remarkable as he is as an athlete, he is an even better person.” Ohtani values his privacy and has shared little about his life outside baseball, so his surprise announcement of his marriage to former basketball player Mamiko Tanaka in February caught many off guard.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Ohtani faced a scandal when his longtime interpreter was accused of serious financial misconduct. However, the camaraderie of his new teammates supported him throughout the ordeal. By June, as the controversy eased, Ohtani’s interpreter pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $17 million from him.
Ohtani’s softer side was revealed in a touching moment with his dog, Decoy, during a promotional event, which gained notable recognition. “I’m hopeful Decoy’s newfound popularity will help his breed thrive,” Ohtani remarked, linking their fame to generating attention for the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje breed.
As he sets his sights on the next season, Ohtani is optimistic about achieving even greater success and potentially repeating as a World Series champion. “Right now, it feels like no one can match his talent for the Most Valuable Player title in the National League,” Roberts concluded, expressing anticipation for what Ohtani will achieve in 2025.
