Photo/Illutration Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani answers questions at a news conference at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Oct. 18. (Tetsuro Takehana)

As the playoffs continue without his Los Angeles Angels again, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani returned to Japan on Oct. 18 after a season that could earn him a second consecutive MVP award.

The 28-year-old Ohtani was modest about his historic achievement, matching Babe Ruth's record in 1918 of posting double digits in wins and home runs in a season. 

“I was able to play stably," he said at a news conference at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. "It was a good season for me personally as I had last year."

He added: “I want to continue setting a goal and working toward achieving that goal next year."

Ohtani said he hopes to play longer into the season next year with his team making the postseason. 

The Angeles have missed the playoffs during the five seasons he has played for the team.

Along with matching Ruth's century-old feat, Ohtani also reached the required numbers of innings pitched and plate appearances to qualify for the 2022 pitching and batting titles.

He is the first player since Major League Baseball began the current two-league system in 1901 to earn that distinction.

Ohtani also entered the Cy Young Award conversation after pitching in 28 games and posting a 15-9 record with a 2.33 ERA.

At the plate, he hit .273 with 34 homers and 95 RBIs to bolster his MVP credentials.

Along with helping his team into the playoffs, Ohtani has another goal for next season in mind. He said he is strongly considering playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic in the spring.

“Ever since I played in Japan, I have always wanted to fight with the Japanese flag on my back,” he said.

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