Shohei Ohtani has an exceptionally strong desire to win.

While continuing to grow as a two-way player is important, he believes that his individual performance only has meaning when it contributes to his team’s success.

For any Major League player, the ultimate goal is to win a World Series ring.

As of 2023, eleven Japanese players have achieved this, but since moving to MLB, Ohtani’s goal has been clear: to contribute fully—hitting, pitching, running, and winning—while reaching the World Series and ultimately becoming a champion.

However, since Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels, the team has struggled, often failing to even finish above .500 in the American League West.

Mike Trout, one of the team’s key players, has frequently been sidelined by injuries, and the pitching staff has lacked consistency, making Ohtani’s lone efforts stand out.

As a result, postseason contention has been difficult, and by August and September, the team often shifts its focus toward the following season.

In such circumstances, maintaining a high level of motivation can be challenging.

Even so, Ohtani has never failed to give his full effort.

His reason is simple:

Precisely because the postseason becomes unlikely, it becomes even more important to work on personal challenges and find ways to improve for the following year.

Even when it is difficult to stay emotionally elevated, there are always things that can be done—things that must be done.

That is Ohtani’s mindset.

Source

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

Shohei Ohtani Feature, Number 1040, p.14