Shohei Ohtani Clinches Fourth AP Male Athlete of the Year Title

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way sensation, has been named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time, tying the record held by sports legends Lance Armstrong, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods.

Ohtani's 2025 season was marked by exceptional performances both at the plate and on the mound, solidifying his status as one of baseball's all-time greats. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Dodgers to their second consecutive World Series championship and earning him a fourth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in five years.

At the plate, Ohtani achieved a .282 batting average, hitting 55 home runs and driving in 102 RBIs over 158 games. He led the National League with 146 runs scored, 380 total bases, 89 extra-base hits, and a 1.014 OPS. He also recorded a career-high 109 walks, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs, draw 100 walks, and steal 20 bases in one season.

Returning to the mound after elbow surgery, Ohtani posted a 2.87 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 47 innings across 14 starts.

In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), Ohtani pitched six scoreless innings and hit three home runs, a performance lauded as one of the greatest single-game feats in sports history.

On August 6, 2025, Ohtani recorded his 1,000th MLB career hit with a 440-foot home run against the St. Louis Cardinals, joining Ichiro Suzuki and Hideki Matsui as the only Japanese-born players to reach this milestone.

"Receiving this award multiple times is something truly special," Ohtani said in Japanese in an exclusive interview with the AP.

Ohtani's achievements have significantly impacted baseball's global popularity, especially in Japan, where his performances have led to record-breaking viewership.

As a Japanese athlete excelling in Major League Baseball, Ohtani serves as an inspiration, breaking cultural and athletic barriers.

Shohei Ohtani's historic fourth AP Male Athlete of the Year award not only underscores his exceptional talent and dedication but also cements his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the history of baseball.