Two-way MVP Ohtani showcases multilingual prowess at writers' awards gala
The 101st New York Baseball Writers' Gala celebrated the 2025 Baseball Writers' Association of America award winners, including MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year. The event's main attractions were the two top players in the league, both MVP Award recipients: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge.
- Secure your 2026 Spring Training tickets! (https://www.mlb.com/tickets/spring-training?affiliateId=mlbcomarticle-inline-linkmlb)
Ohtani, who won his fourth unanimous MVP Award last year, hit a career-high 55 home runs with an NL-leading 1.014 OPS for the Dodgers, while also posting a 2.87 ERA and a 33% strikeout rate in 14 starts as a pitcher. Despite typically using an interpreter, Ohtani delivered his acceptance speech entirely in English, as he had done for his 2024 NL MVP Award, which was pre-recorded.
"Thank you to all the writers who voted for me," Ohtani said. "This MVP Award holds great significance, and winning it again means the world to me."
Ohtani also acknowledged the 1986 Mets team, which was honored at the gala, congratulating them on their World Series victory and their 40th anniversary.
"To my fellow recipients, congratulations on your achievements, especially the '86 Mets," Ohtani said. "I now understand the feeling of becoming a world champion, and it's incredible."
Judge, introduced by former teammate Anthony Rizzo as 'the King of New York,' expressed gratitude for the event in his hometown. He also noted the exceptional talent in attendance.
"To all the award winners here tonight, this is an incredible group," Judge, a three-time MVP, said. "I've never been around so many great players, and it's cool to see the Rookies of the Year develop over the years. I hope we see this group again soon."
Judge shared a motivational quote from his father, emphasizing the importance of daily effort and continuous improvement.
The Cy Young Award saw a repeat winner in the American League, as Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal dominated in 2025 with a 2.21 ERA and 0.89 WHIP, along with 241 strikeouts.
"I'm honored to be part of this group, and the greatness of everyone here inspires me to be my best self every time I pitch," Skubal said. "It's an honor to be back, and I'll never take it for granted."
NL Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, introduced by Mets legend Dwight Gooden, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-belief.
"No matter your background or the challenges you face, keep going," Skenes said. "Trust your work, and never let anyone define your limits. I'm here because I don't understand the word 'can't.'"
Other awards presented included the Jackie Robinson Award, Babe Ruth Postseason MVP Award, and various New York Player of the Year awards, highlighting the diverse talents in baseball.
The night's best encapsulation of the honor's significance came from Skubal, who reflected on the sport's rich history and the privilege of being recognized among its greats.
