One of the greatest baseball players in history! Shohei Ohtani, the ever-evolving two-way star, and his famous quotes
Shohei Ohtani, a baseball player who draws attention for his extremely rare modern pro-baseball style as a two-way player—both pitcher and batter.
Even after moving his stage to the Major Leagues, he stayed true to his style and became a globally famous and popular figure.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of Shohei Ohtani’s famous quotes.
Hailed as one of the greatest baseball players in history, what beliefs and ways of thinking does Shohei Ohtani bring to his play? We hope you’ll find some hints in this article!
One of the greatest baseball players of all time! Evolving two-way star Shohei Ohtani’s quotes (1–10)
Picking up the “luck” that others have dropped.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
It means that luck isn’t something you just wait for—it’s something you seize through your own actions.
For example, people who willingly do chores no one else wants to do, value greetings, and steadily keep up with small habits will find good opportunities coming their way.
Just like picking up a treasure lying on the road, when you cherish the effort and kindness that others overlook, it eventually turns into “luck.” Remember these words, and value creating future opportunities through your small, everyday actions.
We just need to win two in a row.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
No matter how strong your opponent is, you can sense the positive mindset that says if you first win the next two right in front of you, you can change the momentum.
For example, even if you fail a test or at work once, it’s like thinking, “I’ll study properly and do my best for the next two times.” Even big goals come closer by stacking up small successes.
This saying gently teaches us the importance of never giving up and moving forward one step at a time.
It can inspire both children and adults to think, “Let’s first do our best on what’s next.”
I’m ready to get another ring next year.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
The Los Angeles Dodgers of MLB achieved back-to-back championships by winning the 2025 World Series.
On that occasion, Ohtani said these words: “We’re ready to get another ring next year.” In other words, that’s what he meant.
I’m sure he was thrilled with the title, but his focus was already on the next season.
Rather than being satisfied the moment the result was in, he immediately set his sights on what’s next… It seems his ambition knows no bounds.
Let’s look forward to his continued success.
I made the best choice and that’s why I’m here now.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
In 2017, Shohei Ohtani transferred to MLB’s Los Angeles Angels.
These words were what he said in an interview about the move when asked, “What if you had come five years earlier?” They express his feeling that he has no regrets about joining the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters after being drafted exclusively by them in 2012.
Having thought as carefully as possible at each moment and made decisions after talking with those around him, the five years he spent with Nippon-Ham were not a detour but the best choice—suggesting that they were an important period in his baseball career.
Those who have the courage to rest are the true professionals.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
It means that not only working hard but also getting proper rest is important.
If you keep pushing yourself, your body and mind will become exhausted, and you won’t be able to perform at your best.
For example, rather than studying or working late into the night until you’re worn out, getting a good night’s sleep and focusing the next day can lead to better results.
A professional is someone who can not only push themselves but also make the decision to rest, taking their physical and mental condition into account.
This saying gently teaches us a valuable wisdom for sustaining our strength over the long term.
If you realize it’s a failure and start working on something else, it becomes a discovery.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
Instead of getting discouraged by failure and stopping in your tracks, taking actions that lead to the next step turns failure into insight.
By exploring why you failed and pinpointing the cause, you move closer to success.
And as you think deeply about the failure, you may discover things you hadn’t noticed before.
Failure is a crucial component of success, so let’s keep challenging ourselves with the intention to fail often.
That may be how Ohtani expanded his potential and turned the impossible into possible!
If you’re satisfied with getting outs using pitches you couldn’t throw the way you intended, you miss a chance to grow.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
Those words show he’s always aiming higher.
As a pro, it’s natural to focus on winning games, but Ohtani seems to be thinking beyond that—how to turn everything into his own growth.
Even if his team wins, if he couldn’t throw the pitches the way he envisioned, in a sense he may feel he lost his own personal battle.
He relentlessly seeks opportunities to improve and seizes them.
It’s not easy, but repeating that process is what builds great records, isn’t it?
I think it’s good to feel a sense of urgency, and it’s better to do too much than to do too little.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
These words teach us the importance of having a spirit of challenge and an attitude of hard work.
Feeling a little anxious is a positive sign that says, “I want to get better.” For example, someone who thinks before a test or an important task, “I’m not fully prepared yet,” and studies once more will surely build their skills.
Rather than doing nothing and regretting it, taking action—maybe even a bit more than necessary—leads to growth.
It gently conveys how important it is to have the courage to take that first step.
We’re not going out to eat delicious food. Winning comes first.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani joined practice ahead of the WBC opener, and these are the words he delivered at the subsequent press conference.
When his same-year peer, Suzuki, asked him with a smile to host a team pep rally, he said that winning is the most important thing.
It may sound stern, but the purpose of going to the WBC isn’t for good food—it’s to win.
That said, he did take part in the pep rally afterward, showing how much he values bonding with his teammates.
It’s a memorable quote that reveals his earnest approach to baseball and his strong desire to win.
I want to keep going until I can see my limits.NEW!Shohei Ohtani
These are words from Shohei Ohtani’s book, “Making the Impossible Possible: 120 Thoughts by Shohei Ohtani.” It’s precisely because he holds this belief that he can keep accomplishing things once thought impossible.
“Until you can see the limits” suggests pursuing something to the utmost.
By continuing to take on challenges without giving up, you update who you are and draw out new possibilities.
I imagine there are many failures behind every success, but relentlessly continuing to challenge yourself may be the only path that truly leads to success.