1 of 2 | Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani reacts after Toronto Blue Jays Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run home run in the third inning during game four of the MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on October 28. Ohtani was named the National League Most Valuable player Thursday. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
For the first time in Major League Baseball history, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani and New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge have won back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards.
Ohtani, a large reason the Dodgers reached and won the World Series, took the National League award for the second consecutive year, and won the AL award last year, making this the fourth time in five seasons that he has earned MVP honors. He also pitched in the World Series this year, in which the Dodgers beat the Toronto Blue Jays in tense matchup that came down to an extra innings thriller in the 7th and deciding game.
“The biggest thing,” Ohtani said through a translator, “is obviously being able to win the World Series. That’s first and foremost. You know, it’s icing on the cake to be able to get an individual award, being crowned MVP, but I just really appreciate the support from all my teammates, everybody around me and my supporting staff.”
Judge, who hit 53 home runs for the Yankees, took the American League title, topping Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who had 65, a record for that position not known for prolific offense.
“I always would joke around with my parents in the backyard or when I was playing Little League that one day I would get a chance to play in the Major Leagues,” Judge said after receiving the award. “I never thought it’d be something like this. It’s just truly incredible. Always chase your dreams.”
It’s Judge’s second consecutive AL MVP award and third in the last four seasons. He received 17 votes from the Baseball Writer’s Association to Raleigh’s 13.
Raleigh is regarded as one of the best catchers in the game, and has the numbers to back it up. He has the eighth-highest defensive rating of any player at any position.
Raleigh became only the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs in a season.
The Yankees and Mariners reached the post-season but were eliminated.
