In the past, it was rare for professional baseball players in Japan to continue playing beyond the age of 40.

Legends such as Shigeo Nagashima retired at 38, while Sadaharu Oh retired at 40.

Today, however, sports science, conditioning, and training methods have evolved dramatically.

Players such as Masahiro Yamamoto continued pitching professionally until the age of 50.

Others, like Takeshi Yamasaki, remained productive power hitters deep into their forties, even winning a home run title at age 39.

Shohei Ohtani also hopes to play baseball for as long as possible and believes that continuing into his fifties may not be impossible.

Speaking about longevity, he said:

“I want to play baseball as long as possible, and I want to achieve the best results I can. That’s why I want to build my physical foundation now and do everything I can to prevent it from declining. I think every active player naturally feels that way, and I want to be that kind of player too.”

For Ohtani, longevity is not simply about surviving in the sport.

It is about sustaining excellence.

That is why he emphasizes building physical strength early and maintaining it carefully over time.

Ichiro Suzuki also once spoke about wanting to play into his fifties, though he ultimately retired at 45 as baseball itself evolved through changes such as the “fly-ball revolution.”

Ohtani’s challenge may be even greater.

As a two-way player who both pitches and hits, the physical demands placed on his body are extraordinary.

No one truly knows how long such a style can be maintained at the highest level.

But if there is anyone capable of redefining what is considered possible in terms of age, endurance, and performance, it may be Shohei Ohtani — an athlete who has already spent his career turning impossibilities into reality.

Source

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

Opening a Path, Crossing the Ocean: The True Story of Shohei Ohtani, p.312