(Houston) Shohei Ohtani’s masterful season with the Los Angeles Angels was so unprecedented that Major Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred created a special trophy to mark it.
Manfred presented Ohtani with the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Trophy ahead of the first World Series clash on Tuesday night.
“Over the next few years, I know there will be many trophies and honors coming in your direction,” Manfred said, as Ohtani sat beside him. I felt that the 2021 season had been so special that it was important to highlight this historic achievement with a trophy unique to 2021. ”
Ohtani has slammed 46 homers, produced 100 points and stole 26 goals this season, his fourth in the Majors after playing in Japan. In 23 starts from the mound, he’s gone 9-2 with an earned-run average of 3.18 and 156 strikeouts.
The 27-year-old Ohtani is the most accomplished two-position player since Babe Ruth, who last pitched regularly in 1919. Ohtani was the first two-position starting player in All-Star history, who started in 1933. He pitched and acted as the designated hitter for the American.
“It’s really an incredible series of accomplishments,” Manfred insisted.
“This trophy isn’t given out every year so I know how special it is,” said Ohtani. I don’t know if I really deserve it, but Mr. Manfred is going to give it to me so I will accept it. ”
Manfred quickly replied that the Japanese more than deserved this first trophy presented by the commissioner.
After missing the entire 2019 season at the mound due to Tommy John-type surgery, Ohtani only appeared in two games as a pitcher last season. He pitched for 130 innings and a third in 2021.
Ohtani said he has never felt tired or exhausted and is already ready to begin his training regimes this offseason.
“I think the most important thing I can take away this season is that I was able to finish the campaign without being on the injured list,” he said. This experience will definitely help me in the future. ”