The timing of an athlete’s peak differs from person to person.

It also varies depending on the position they play.

In baseball, hitters are often said to peak around ages 27 or 28, remaining key players into their early thirties, while pitchers are believed to peak even earlier.

Shohei Ohtani turned 29 in July 2023.

At that point, he openly stated:

“In my own calculations, I think my peak has already begun.”

Looking at his historic numbers, it is hard to disagree.

At the same time, however, Ohtani has also admitted to wondering how he will feel once his performance eventually begins to decline.

Like all athletes, will he someday confront “the limits of physical strength”?

Judging from his comments, Ohtani does not intend to accept decline passively.

He said:

“If I can’t express strength physically, I can’t move in a way that truly satisfies me. Even in my late thirties, I don’t want to lose the mindset of building a body stronger than the one I had in my twenties.”

For Ohtani, physical ability is the foundation of baseball itself.

That is why he refuses to think of aging as a reason to lower his standards.

Instead, he wants to continue developing — physically, technically, and mentally — for as long as he plays.

Ohtani has even spoken about wanting to continue playing baseball into his fifties.

To make that possible, he believes he must continue mastering new skills while constantly strengthening his body with the belief that he can still improve.

Most athletes eventually shift from pursuing growth to preserving what they already have.

Ohtani’s mindset is different.

Even after reaching the top of the baseball world, he still thinks:

“There’s more ahead. I can still get stronger.”

Source

This quote comes from a Japanese magazine published in Japan and is not currently available in English.

Number 1048, p.11