Shohei Ohtani Named AP Male Athlete of the Year for Record-Tying Fourth Time
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A dominant 2025 season, culminating in a second consecutive World series title with the Los angeles Dodgers, has earned Shohei Ohtani the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award for a record-tying fourth time. The honor places him alongside Lance Armstrong, lebron James, and Tiger Woods for the most wins among male athletes.
“Receiving this award multiple times is something truly special,” Ohtani saeid in japanese during an exclusive interview with the AP.
Ohtani secured 29 of 47 votes from sports journalists from the AP and its members,receiving more than double the votes of second-place finisher Nikola Jokic.
Ohtani’s Historic 2025 Season
Ohtani’s latest accolade follows a year of remarkable achievements. Since joining the Dodgers on a landmark $700 million, 10-year contract in December 2023, he has consistently delivered extraordinary performances. He achieved the unprecedented feat of winning his fourth career Most Valuable Player award – and his second with the Dodgers – by unanimous vote.
Statistically, Ohtani excelled at the plate, posting a 1.014 OPS and launching 55 home runs. His return to the mound after recovering from a 2023 injury was equally remarkable, boasting a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 47 innings across 14 starts.
A Postseason for the Ages
Ohtani’s impact was most profoundly felt during the postseason. In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee brewers, he delivered what many are calling the greatest single-game performance in sports history, pitching six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts while simultaneously hitting three home runs to earn MVP honors.
“If you think about it in terms of a single game, I’d say that’s probably true,” Ohtani reflected. “It was a crucial game in the postseason, and I personally feel I played quite well in that game.”
Despite a rare struggle in Game 7 of the World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he allowed a three-run homer to Bo Bichette, the Dodgers ultimately prevailed, securing their second consecutive championship in a thrilling series.
Global Impact and Future Goals
The Dodgers’ success,fueled by Ohtani’s presence,has resonated globally. Game 7 of the World Series drew an average of 13.1 million viewers in Japan – the most-watched World Series game on a single network in the country’s history – and a worldwide audience of 51 million, marking the highest viewership as the 1991 World Series.
Ohtani, who grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, remains driven by aspiring goals. “Last year, I said I wanted to win this award again, and I will work hard so that I can win it again next year as well,” he stated. He also aims to lead Japan in the World Baseball Classic in March, though his pitching participation remains uncertain.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ohtani has set his sights on a third consecutive World Series championship. “Staying healthy and appearing in every game without injury, that’s the smallest goal I have,” he said.
Life Beyond the Diamond
Beyond his athletic achievements, Ohtani experienced a meaningful personal milestone in 2025, becoming a father to a daughter in April. he maintains a degree of privacy regarding his personal life, but has expressed a desire to improve his English language skills to better connect with fans.
“I think it would be best if I could speak in English, so even if it’s just small steps, I want to keep working at it,” he explained. “Whether it’s with fans or in different situations, being able to speak directly in English might help bridge the gap between us.”
Despite undergoing three major surgeries – two on his right elbow and one on his left shoulder – Ohtani remains committed to his unique role as a two-way player. “I think it’s best to keep doing it right up until the moment I retire,” he affirmed.
