Ohtani up for 2 ESPYs, including Best Athlete, Men's Sports
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Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani, Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini and the World Series champion Atlanta Braves are among the 2022 ESPY Award nominees, which were released Tuesday.
Ohtani is nominated in two categories: Best MLB Player and Best Athlete, Men’s Sports. Ohtani won the former award last year and is up against reigning NL MVP Bryce Harper, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler this year.
In Best Athlete, Men’s Sports -- one of the show’s most coveted awards -- Ohtani is joined by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid.
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Mancini is a nominee for Best Comeback Athlete following his inspiring and triumphant battle against colon cancer. The Braves are MLB’s representative in a seven-nominee field for Best Team.
Oklahoma Sooners softball star Jocelyn Alo is one of four nominees for Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports. She set a new record for most career home runs by a Division I softball player (122) en route to a Women’s College World Series title this year.
The winner of the 2022 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award will also be announced during the ESPYS; Cardinals legend Albert Pujols is one of the four finalists.
The 2022 ESPYS will air live on Wednesday, July 20, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.