Shohei Ohtani Wins Third AP Male Athlete of the Year Award

The Japanese baseball superstar caps a historic year with record-breaking achievements and a World Series title for the Dodgers.

Ohtani joins Michael Jordan as a three-time winner of the AP Male Athlete of the Year award, trailing only four-time winners LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Lance Armstrong.
In 2024, Ohtani became the first MLB player to join the 50/50 club, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases while batting a career-high .310.
He led the Los Angeles Dodgers to their eighth World Series championship, despite playing the final games injured and undergoing shoulder surgery afterward.
Off the field, his presence boosted the Dodgers' global popularity, attracting Japanese fans, sponsors, and record-breaking merchandise sales.
Ohtani aims to return to full health for the 2025 season, which will open in Japan, where he hopes to both pitch and hit for his team.