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DENVER, COLORADO – JULY 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts in the first inning during the 91st MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO – JULY 13: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels reacts in the first inning during the 91st MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani is the frontrunner for the AL MVP award in 2021. While the official declaration of the MVP is yet to be done, the association couldn’t wait to appreciate the extraordinary player.
Commissioner Robert D. Manfred awarded Ohtani a rarely given, prestigious award. Before the World Series kick-started, he was presented with the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award. Ohtani became only the 16th recipient of the honor.
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Shohei Ohtani: the sensational performer
While Ohtani’s team couldn’t reach the post-season, he really stood out. What Shohei has achieved in the 2021 season is incredible. Ohtani is one of the few rare two-way players the MLB has seen in its history.
Before today's game, @Angels star Shohei Ohtani was presented the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award 🏆
He's the first player receive the honor since 2014 pic.twitter.com/2db5HaYIOL
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 27, 2021
Notably, the award isn’t given out every year, but only when a player produces a historical performance on the field. The last time a deserving candidate was given the award was in the 2014 season.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 29: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels hits a two-run home run during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on June 29, 2021 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The MLB even released a document highlighting the glories of Ohtani in 2021. Ohtani, as a hitter, smashed 46 home runs, secured 103 runs, 26 doubles, eight triples, 100 RBI’s, 96 walks, and has 26 stolen bases in his records.
Here’s more background on Shohei Ohtani being honored with the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award, from MLB PR: pic.twitter.com/vlDfTBEk75
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) October 27, 2021
Remarkably, Ohtani is the only player in the history of MLB to clinch 45+ homers, 25+ steals, and five or more triples in a single season. It’s not just his batting skills, but also his incredible abilities on the mound that differentiate him from others.
Ohtani’s pitching accomplishments in 2021
The opponents feel threatened not only when Ohtani is batting but also when he’s pitching. The one-man army created history by becoming the first pitcher after legendary Babe Ruth to make multiple pitching starts, and also leading homers.
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – APRIL 28: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels takes the field for pregame warmups before the Angels take on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on April 28, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
The 27-year-old became the first player to record 10+HR as a hitter, while also securing 100+ strikeouts as a pitcher. The list of Ohtani being ‘the first player to do so’ goes on and on.
Earning the prestigious award has cleared out any doubts about Ohtani becoming the AL MVP in 2021. Do you think anyone is in contention with the incredible Ohtani?
Also read: MVP Favorite Shohei Ohtani Holds Much Higher Statistic Than New York Yankees Explosive Duo
