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As a kid, baseball was simply a hobby for the Oshu, Iwate-born Shohei Ohtani. However, just like the surrounding people, the eventual two-way wonder was quick to realize his potential in the ballpark. As a result, Sho-time, or say Japanese Babe Ruth, signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters at the age of 18. At the same time, Ohtani also jotted down a list of life goals paralleled with his age. And with his most recent WBC wonders, a massive revelation about his retirement plans comes to light.

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After winning the MVP award in his pool, and helping Japan register four consecutive wins before the eliminators, Shohei Ohtani helped carry his country to the final trophy in a final-innings thriller. As expected, Ohtani also bagged the MVP award for the globally staged tournament. And guess what life goal did he hope to achieve by the age of 27?

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Does this mean that Shohei Ohtani’s baseball career can come to an end soon?

As reported by Joe Pompliano, at the age of 27, Ohtani wanted to be a part of team Japan and win an MVP award. As his diary said, “Member of Japan WBC team and MVP.”

Evidently, he checked this box. But what does this say about his potential retirement?

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As he approaches free agency and a possible $500 million contract for his all-round abilities, Ohtani’s diary revealed his plans to retire by the age of 39. The 2021 AL MVP’s life goal at 39 said, “Age 39: Decide to retire at the end of next season”

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Read More: A Subtle Move? Alex Rodriguez Puts Shohei Ohtani on Par With New York Yankees Revolutionary After World Baseball Classic Heroics

This is how fans reacted to the information about Ohtani’s potential retirement:

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While some fans spoke about the star’s foresight in planning his downfall, others expressed extreme discontent over Ohtani’s retirement.

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Irrespective of when he retires, there is absolutely no question about the turmoil Ohtani will create in the upcoming MLB season.

Shohei Ohtani now has one up over Angels teammate Mike Trout

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As expected by millions of people across the globe, the ultimate deciding World Championship game in the WBC was between the United States of America and Japan. In this game, teammates and stars from Anaheim, Mike Trout, and Shohei Ohtani went head to head for the first time. However, as is the case in sports, only one emerged victorious.

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At the mound was Ohtani, with minimum experience as a closer. In the box was Mike Trout, who could easily turn the game around despite Japan’s 2-3 lead. For Japan and their wonder boy, the turn of events was right out of a storybook, as Sho-time carried Japan to the trophy.

WATCH THIS STORY: Japanese Two-Way Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Hits 100th Major League Homer

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Written by

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Mohsin Baldiwala

837 Articles

Mohsin Baldiwala, an experienced MLB writer at EssentiallySports, holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in public policy. His journey into the heart of baseball is as unique as it is charming, taking root in the quirky universe of 'Seinfeld.' It was through the endearingly hapless George Costanza, a character with his own comedic ties to the New York Yankees, that Mohsin first glimpsed the allure of the storied franchise.

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Abhishek Kumar

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