Reasons Why Shohei Ohtani Was Destined for Success

 

A Baseball Player Called a Two-Way Star

The term “two-way” refers to a skill in which one handles two different roles. Shohei Ohtani is a unique figure in Japanese baseball, excelling both as a pitcher and a hitter, making him a two-way star. He not only hits and pitches exceptionally well but also runs impressively, and by the age of thirty, he has already achieved remarkable milestones. He holds records like the first-ever 10 wins and 40 home runs in a single season in MLB, unanimous MVP, Japan's WBC victory, and the largest contract in world sports history. With a handsome appearance, dedication, and good character, he is often regarded as an almost unrealistically perfect individual. Let’s look into the secrets behind Ohtani's success at such a young age.

Finding the Best in the Worst Situations

Ohtani made his MLB debut in 2018, after drawing attention as a superstar in Japan. However, his early performance was hampered by elbow and knee issues, which didn’t meet initial expectations. Instead of being discouraged, he faced reality and set clear priorities. He made the bold decision to undergo surgery, which could be critical for an athlete, and diligently committed to his rehabilitation day by day. Even after recovery, his pitching was considered a bit painful to watch. However, Ohtani had experience from high school when an injury prevented him from pitching, which led him to focus on batting. This challenging period was another stage in his journey as a two-way player, and he ultimately achieved greater success than in his MLB early days, becoming a global star.

 

(Left) Mandarat created by Ohtani in high school (Right) Mandarat translated from Japanese to Korean

Using the Mandarat to Chase His Dream

The word Mandala (曼茶羅) originates from the Sanskrit term "mandala," meaning circle. Yasuo Matsumura, a Japanese corporate worker, began using a Mandarat for self-development and management strategy. The concept spread in Japan, and one notable sports coach to incorporate it was Sasaki Hiroshi, Ohtani’s high school baseball coach. Ohtani, with his coach’s guidance, wrote down his goals concretely on a Mandarat. He didn't stop at just writing them down; with his signature dedication and persistence, Ohtani gradually achieved each goal in his Mandarat. This method helped him progress toward success at an accelerated pace. Later, when asked about his secret to success, he famously showed the Mandarat he had completed in high school, which became a sensation. Now, “Mandarat” is a term forever associated with Ohtani.

Shohei Ohtani, a two-way player who succeeded on a global scale, attributes his achievements to the lessons he learned from failures in his youth.

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