Baseball

EDITORIAL | Latest MVP for Shohei Ohtani: Speechless at His Infinite Potential

It was unanimous. Ohtani was named MVP for the third time in his MLB career, twice in the AL and now in the NL, and next year he returns as a two-way player.

by
JAPAN Forward
November 25, 2024

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was named the National League's Most Valuable Player (MVP) on November 21.

This was the first time in Major League Baseball history that a player had won the award by unanimous vote for a third time. In addition, he became the first designated hitter to win the award. Moreover, he's now the first player to collect MVP Awards in both leagues in back-to-back years.

What is so great that it is easy to forget is that Ohtani, the American League MVP with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021 and '23, was a pitcher rehabilitating from right elbow surgery this season. When asked at the MVP announcement if he would win the Cy Young Award (best pitcher) next season, he replied, "That would be great."

No one takes this response as a joke anymore. There are no words for his infinite possibilities.

Athletes React

A delegate of the youth baseball team at Anetai Elementary School, which Ohtani attended in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, commented, "I can't believe that someone like this was born here." However, that is probably the sentiment of all Japanese people. If we expand that to include "humanity," it may be the sentiment of baseball fans around the world.

Basketball legend Magic Johnson, a co-owner of the Dodgers, commented on an American talk show. "Otani is attracting new fans who have never watched baseball before," said Johnson. Then he added, "The only person he can be compared to is Michael Jackson." In other words, he has already transcended the boundaries of sports.

Alex Rodriguez, a three-time MVP and five-time American League home run king, visited Japan in November. Asked about Ohtani, he said, "No matter how hard I search for words, I can't describe him. If I had to say, he's a player who's like a combination of Roger Clemens (seven Cy Young Awards), Barry Bonds (most home runs in MLB history), and Rickey Henderson (most stolen bases in history). He's a mythical unicorn. I've just never seen anything like him."

*Shohei Ohtani holds his dog Dekopin. His wife Mamiko is at his side. (©Sankei by Keisuke Mizushima)*

For Ohtani, a Season of Ups and Downs Ends on a High

Looking back, this was a season full of ups and downs. It started with the revelation of illegal gambling by his interpreter. Ohtani didn't pitch at all this season while recovering from elbow surgery. However, as a batter, he achieved an unprecedented combination of 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, becoming MLB's first-ever player to reach 50 in both categories in the same season.

He also dislocated his left shoulder in the World Series. But, finally, he fulfilled his long-cherished dream of winning the league championship and, with his team, winning the World Series.

Ohtani was asked about the most memorable moment. He replied, "The thing that made me the most nervous was the ceremonial first pitch with my dog Dekopin." This charm has also captivated fans in the United States, the original home of the game.

Looking ahead to next season, he promised to return to his two-way role. "My goal is to pitch and hit from the start," said Ohtani.

We can only look forward to the opening of the season. In a world clouded by uncertainty ー including the US and Japan ー baseball fans are fortunate to share the clear hope Shohei Ohtani brings.