Unanimous AL MVP Highlights Shohei Ohtani?s Historic Season, Tops Long List of Individual Accolades

For baseball fans, 2023 is synonymous with Shohei Ohtani. From the beginning of his MLB years, the two-way phenomenon has been the center of attention, a force to be reckoned with on the mound as well as the plate. Though his team failed this season with a 73-89 record, the individual success of the Japanese superstar has touched unreachable heights. Despite injuries impeding the last month of the season, Ohtani won his career second AL MVP award on Thursday night. And what a historic achievement it was.

The only ballplayer in MLB history to ever win an MVP unanimously, twice, Shohei Ohtani is setting the stage for an unseen era of baseball. Taking a closer look at his 2023 achievements alone, the 21st-century Babe Ruth is on an unprecedented streak of success.

Shohei Ohtani?s Individual Achievement List

After a tough fight with Texas Rangers stars Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, the 29-year-old Japanese star added the MVP award to his shelf. The fiesta doesn?t end here – receiving all 30 first-place votes, Shohei Ohtani is yet again in a category of his own. As a recent X post highlights, the two-way wonder is simply unmatched.

According to Front Office Sports, this is his last achievement this year after an already long list of accolades. Beginning the year by captaining Team Japan to an undefeated WBC victory, Shotime set new records in pitching and hitting throughout 2023. While his New Balance deal and top-selling jersey made their way to the achievement list, charitable yet promotional activities also deserve the limelight.

A few days ago, Ohtani announced that he had donated around 60,000 gloves to every elementary school in Japan. The primary aim behind this initiative was to inspire the young kids in Nippon to play baseball. The gloves are of course a result of his collaboration with NB. And as the slugger’s Instagram post states, he’s looking forward to sharing the field with someone who used these gloves.

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Among his other major achievements is the All-Star selection this season, along with a Silver Slugger award. The pitcher is also the 2023 AL home run leader and has a second MVP to make him eligible for an elite list of MVPs.

Shohei Ohtani Is Part of an Exclusive MLB MVP List

While MVP awards are handed out every season, only a few players have won it more than once. The Japanese pitcher has entered a select list of players and marked his name with legends like Barry Bonds, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, etc. Starting from Barry Bonds’ seven MVPs, the list contains players with more or less three career MVPs. Even his long-time teammate Mike Trout is on this list with his three MVP awards.

Ohtani will likely not return to the Los Angeles Angels. But he will still be only the second Angels player to have multiple MVP awards.

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