Shohei Ohtani is known for his strict approach to maintaining his physical condition.
He has openly said that he has a strong need for sleep, and he prioritizes it accordingly.
He is also careful about what he eats, rarely dining out and consistently choosing foods that support his health.
In the past, professional baseball players were often associated with a flashy lifestyle—going out, drinking, and enjoying nightlife.
Ohtani stands at the opposite end of that image.
His commitment to health is not about restriction—it is about possibility.
“If I’m healthy, I can fully pursue everything I want to do.”
From a young age, Ohtani experienced injuries, including surgeries during high school and throughout his professional career in both Japan and Major League Baseball.
In his second MLB season, he underwent Tommy John surgery, which prevented him from pitching for a significant period.
Through these experiences, he came to understand a simple but powerful truth:
Health determines the direction of effort.
“When you’re healthy, you can train at 100% and improve every aspect of your performance. But if your focus shifts toward rehabilitation, the nature of your training changes completely.”
For Ohtani, being healthy is not just a condition—it is the foundation that allows him to maximize his potential.
It is what makes everything else possible.
Source
This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.
Shohei Ohtani Feature, Number 1069, p.15