In 2021, Shohei Ohtani hit 46 home runs—just two short of winning the home run title.

It was a historic season, placing him among elite players who had achieved both power and speed at the highest level.

Yet despite the remarkable numbers, Ohtani remained grounded in his understanding of what it takes to reach the top.

After a game on September 12, he was asked about the home run title.

“Of course I want to win it. But wanting it doesn’t mean I can achieve it.”

This statement reflects a clear separation between desire and reality.

Many athletes are driven by strong ambition—but Ohtani knows that desire alone has no direct impact on results.

Instead, he focuses on what he can control:

“I want to continue having good at-bats every day. Stay true to the fundamentals, and take each at-bat seriously.”

Titles are not something to chase directly.

They are the byproduct of consistent execution.

By focusing on each moment—each swing, each at-bat—Ohtani builds toward results naturally.

Not by wishing for them,

but by earning them.

Source

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

Newsweek Japan, October 12, 2021, p.20