### Shohei Ohtani Achieves Historic Milestone as AP's Male Athlete of the Year - Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way baseball star, has made history by winning The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award for the fourth time, a feat that ties him with sports legends Lance Armstrong, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods for the most wins in this category among male athletes. This prestigious award has been presented annually since 1931, highlighting Ohtani's exceptional performance and impact in the sport [https://apnews.com/article/shohei-ohtani-ap-male-athlete-of-year-b337a5fa88b75daa3349174022c91cf1]. ### Breakdown of Ohtani's Achievement and Future Goals 1. **Award Significance**: Ohtani's fourth win of the AP Male Athlete of the Year award underscores his dominance in baseball, particularly during the 2025 season, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Dodgers to a World Series title [https://abc30.com/post/shohei-ohtani-named-ap-male-athlete-year-4th-time/18267167]. 2. **Voting Details**: In the recent voting, Ohtani received 29 out of 47 votes from sports journalists, showcasing his widespread recognition and support within the sports community [https://apnews.com/video/shohei-ohtani-named-ap-male-athlete-of-the-year-for-the-fourth-time-737ddcdf361f4f46ad1ca4e5e05b0d6d]. 3. **Performance Highlights**: During the 2025 season, Ohtani was named the National League MVP, leading the league in runs scored (146), slugging percentage (.622), and OPS (1.014). As a pitcher, he recorded a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts, further solidifying his status as a dual-threat player [https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dodgers_shohei_ohtani_joins_elite_company_as_4_time_winner_of_major_award/s1_16910_43182486]. 4. **Future Aspirations**: Looking ahead to 2026, Ohtani aims to maintain his health to participate in every game and improve his English-speaking skills to connect better with his U.S. fanbase [https://dodgersnation.com/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-wins-ap-male-athlete-of-the-year-for-fourth-time/2025/12/09]. ### Supporting Data and Metrics - **2025 Season Performance**: - **Runs Scored**: 146 (Led the National League) - **Slugging Percentage**: .622 (Led the National League) - **OPS**: 1.014 (Led the National League) - **Pitching Record**: 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 14 starts - **Awards**: National League MVP, MVP of the National League Championship Series [https://espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/47254894/shohei-ohtani-named-ap-male-athlete-year-4th]. ### Conclusion: Ohtani's Legacy and Future Prospects - **Historic Recognition**: Shohei Ohtani's achievement of being named the AP Male Athlete of the Year for the fourth time not only cements his legacy in baseball but also places him among the elite athletes in sports history. - **Performance and Impact**: His outstanding performance in the 2025 season, coupled with his aspirations for the future, indicates that Ohtani is not only a remarkable player but also a significant figure in bridging cultural gaps in sports. - **Next Steps**: As he prepares for the 2026 season, Ohtani's focus on health and communication with fans will be crucial for his continued success and influence in Major League Baseball [https://freedom969.com/national-sports/shohei-ohtani-is-the-aps-male-athlete-of-the-year-for-record-tying-4th-time].