Shohei Ohtani, famed Japanese baseball player, has recently been hailed as the world's greatest athlete, as declared by his team manager. The momentous announcement further cements Ohtani's already well-established presence in the sporting world, with his unrivaled skills, both in pitching and hitting, truly setting him apart from his contemporaries on a global scale.

Baseball is widely regarded as one of Japan's most cherished national sports. The perception of Ohtani, a local player, being declared as the best in the world signifies not just a triumph for Japanese baseball, but a recognition of Japan's contributions to the global sphere of sports. It is a source of national pride and a testament to the country's staunch dedication to honing its athletes.

In the US or EU, athletes at the top of their craft are also highly esteemed, often forming part of national identity and drawing widespread attention. However, sports where you can excel both defensively and offensively the way Ohtani does in baseball are rare. This kind of dual recognition for his performance is on par with other multifaceted athletes like Bo Jackson or Deion Sanders, adding an extra layer of prestige to his achievement.