Ohtani makes history with 3rd AP Athlete of the Year award.

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani’s name is practically a synonym for history, given how often he makes it. The Los Angeles Dodgers star earned the AP Male Athlete of the Year award for the third time, putting him alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan. Only Tiger Woods, LeBron James, and Lance Armstrong have won it more, each with four titles.

“I’m very honored,” Ohtani said through his translator Matt Hidaka. “Obviously all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again.”

Which athlete has won the most AP Male Athlete of the Year awards?

Golfer Babe Didrikson holds the record with six AP Athlete of the Year awards, the most by any individual, male or female, since the honor was established in 1931. Among men, Lance Armstrong, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James lead with four wins each.

Shohei Ohtani now stands out in MLB history, becoming the first player to win the award three times. The only other MLB player to win it twice is Sandy Koufax, who achieved the feat during his legendary pitching career. Notable recent winners also include Aaron Judge and Jose Altuve

Ohtani’s recovery after shoulder surgery is on track

In the World Series, Ohtani injured his left shoulder while stealing second base. Despite playing hurt, he helped the Dodgers win their eighth championship. He underwent surgery in November and has been steadily recovering since.

He recently shared an update: “I don’t have full range of motion yet, but it feels a lot better. There’s no pain, just tightness.”

Ohtani aims to return as a two-way player for the Dodgers’ 2025 season opener in Japan. He’s optimistic about being fully healthy by then.

Ohtani is already throwing pitches in the 70 mph range, a positive sign in his rehab process.

Will Shohei Ohtani pitch and hit in 2025?

“My personal goal is to be fully healthy by the time the opening games do start,” he said. “To be able to pitch and hit would be great, but the situation will kind of guide itself.”

The Dodgers are evaluating whether to adjust their rotation, possibly incorporating a six-man setup to balance Ohtani’s workload.

Ohtani’s 2024 season proves he’s a generational talent

Even without pitching, Shohei Ohtani has sucessfully produced historic numbers in 2024. He became the first MLB player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, finishing with a .310 batting average.

Off the field, his impact was just as exquisite. Fans traveled from Japan to watch him play. His ever-ebbing fanbase led to new stadium tours and merchandise tailor-made for them. His presence even attracted Japanese sponsors for the Dodgers.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts summed it up: “As good of a ballplayer as he is, he’s a much better person.”