Dodgers Dynasty Man: Shohei Ohtani Wins Third AP Male Athlete of the Year Award

After signing a massive $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023, the spotlight was firmly on Shohei Ohtani for the 2024 campaign. The Japanese star did not disappoint and won his third MVP Award after an historic campaign. He has now won his third AP Male Athlete of the Year Award.

The two-way star won this award in 2023 by collecting 20 votes out of 87. He would finish ahead of Tennis star Novak Djokovic and soccer great Lionel Messi. This year, Ohtani took home this crown by receiving 48 votes out of the 74.

He finished ahead of French swimmer Leon Marchand and golfer Scottie Scheffler. Marchand won four gold medals at the Paris Games this year. Meanwhile, Scheffler claimed nine wins this season including an Olympic Gold and the Masters title.

Ohtani crossed the 50-home run mark for the first time in his career this year. He went on to find the 50-50 club, becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. He wrapped up the regular season with 54 home runs and 58 stolen bases.

In the postseason, he hit three more home runs. The Dodgers went on to win the World Series against the New York Yankees by winning the series 4-2. In his very first season with the team, Ohtani claimed his first World Series ring.

A few weeks later he took home his second straight unanimous MVP Award. The 30-year-old finished ahead of Francisco Lindor and Ketel Marte in the rankings. He has now tied NBA legend Michael Jordan with his third AP Male Athlete of the Year Award and is one shy of tying LeBron James, Tiger Woods, and Lance Armstrong for the most wins all-time.

Shohei Ohtani ‘honored’ to win third AP Male Athlete of the Year Award

The awards keep on coming for Shohei Ohtani. After winning several accolades for his incredible 2024 campaign, Ohtani on Monday was named the winner of the AP Male Athlete of the Year Award for a third time. The Japanese international claimed he was “honored” to claim this award.

In an interview with AP, Ohtani claimed that he watched Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan while growing up in Japan. He further expressed that he is now hoping to win this award again next year and tie the record for the all-time most wins.

I’m very honored. Obviously, all the hard work has paid off. Maybe next year, I’ll get the award again. Growing up in Japan, I did follow Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. I would see their accolades and how they were successful in the United States.

Shohei Ohtani said as per Associated Press

Ohtani and his team will be gearing up to defend their title next season. The 4-time MLB All-Star is also expected to pitch again next year. He will be part of the pitching rotation that consists of Yoshinobu Yamamoto , Tyler Glasnow , and newly signed Blake Snell .