Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani, is a Japanese professional baseball player widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary talents in the history of the sport. Known for his unprecedented ability to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter, Ohtani has redefined what is possible in baseball. Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB), he has earned accolades for his historic performances, including the American League MVP Award in 2021 and 2023, and the World Series Championship in 2024.

Shohei Ohtani’s early life in Japan and his dedication to baseball shaped his path to becoming one of the sport’s greatest players.

• Born Shohei Ohtani on July 5, 1994, in Ōshū, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
• Attended Hanamaki Higashi High School, where he gained national attention for his remarkable performances, including a 99 mph fastball as a teenager, setting a Japanese high school record.
• Represented Japan in international competitions, showcasing his exceptional talent and earning the nickname “The Japanese Babe Ruth” for his dual role as a pitcher and hitter.
• Signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league in 2013, bypassing MLB to further develop his skills in Japan.
• Achieved stardom in NPB, earning accolades as a pitcher and designated hitter, including the Pacific League MVP Award in 2016, before announcing his decision to join MLB in 2017.
• Debuted with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, making an immediate impact as a two-way player and laying the foundation for his groundbreaking career in Major League Baseball.

Shohei Ohtani’s family has played a crucial role in his journey, providing unwavering support and fostering the discipline that has defined his success.

• Born to Kayoko and Toru Ohtani. His mother, Kayoko, was a national-level badminton player in high school, while his father, Toru, worked at an automobile manufacturing plant and played amateur baseball in the Japanese Industrial League.
• Ohtani is the youngest of three children. He has an older sister, Yuka, and an older brother, Ryuta, who is also an amateur baseball player in the Japanese Industrial League.
• In February 2024, Ohtani announced his marriage, initially keeping his wife’s identity private, referring to her as a “normal Japanese woman.” In March 2024, he revealed that his wife is Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player.