Between 2021 and 2024, Shohei Ohtani won the American League MVP Award three times, a remarkable achievement that places him among the greatest players in baseball history.
His performances during those years were extraordinary:
- 2021: 9–2, 46 home runs
- 2022: 15–9, 34 home runs
- 2023: 10–5, 44 home runs
- 2024: No pitching appearances, 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases
Even in 2022, Ohtani produced MVP-caliber numbers. However, Aaron Judge’s historic 62-home-run season earned overwhelming support in the voting.
While Ohtani’s individual accomplishments were consistently elite, the same could not be said for the Los Angeles Angels. From 2021 through 2023, the club finished fourth, third, and fourth in the American League West, never reaching the postseason.
The contrast with 2024 could not have been greater.
In his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani helped the team capture the division title, the National League pennant, and ultimately the World Series championship.
For a player who had always prioritized winning, that difference mattered.
When accepting his MVP Award, Ohtani did not speak primarily about his own achievements. Instead, he emphasized the role of the team behind them.
“This award (the MVP) is something I accept as a representative of the entire team. More than anything, it makes me want to win even more next year.”
The statement reveals a defining aspect of Ohtani’s character.
Many players view MVP awards as the pinnacle of individual success. Ohtani sees them differently. To him, an MVP is not merely recognition of personal excellence but also a reflection of the teammates, coaches, and organization that helped make that success possible.
Even after winning the World Series and earning another MVP trophy, his focus immediately shifted to the future.
Not toward protecting his legacy.
Not toward celebrating his accomplishments.
But toward finding a way to win again.
That perspective helps explain why Ohtani continues to improve even after reaching heights that most players only dream of. Every achievement becomes motivation for the next challenge.
Source
This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.
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