Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Wife Mamiko Announce They’re Expecting Their First Child
Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka Kevin Winter/Getty Images
After securing a victory in the World Series, Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani is gearing up to become a remarkable father.
Ohtani, aged 30, and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, announced on Saturday, December 28, that they are looking forward to their first child.
“We can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon,” Ohtani shared on Instagram, including a sonogram image beside a pink onesie and tiny sneakers.
In the picture, the baby items were placed next to the couple’s cherished dog, Decoy.
“CONGRATS, SHOHEI, MAMIKO, and DECOY! We’re welcoming a ShoBABY,” read an Instagram comment from ESPN Los Angeles.
The MLB sensation revealed in February that he had married, initially keeping his partner’s name a secret.
“To all my friends and fans, I have an announcement: I have entered a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve started a new life with someone very special from my homeland of Japan, and I’m now married. I eagerly look forward to what lies ahead and thank you for your support,” he shared on Instagram.
He added in Japanese, “Though we are still young and have much to learn, we hope you will continue to watch over us kindly. We wish to support each other as a couple (and with our dog) and move forward together with our fans.”
Ohtani, a pitcher, spent five seasons in Japan before joining the Los Angeles Angels in 2017. Nearly six years later, he signed a 10-year contract with the Dodgers.
“Dodger fans, I appreciate your warm welcome to the team,” Ohtani stated in a December 2023 press release. “I can confidently say that you, the Dodger organization, and I all share the same ambition — to bring World Series parades to the streets of Los Angeles.”
Ohtani’s wish came true as he made it to the playoffs for the first time this fall. He guided the Dodgers to a World Series championship against the New York Yankees in October.
“I am privileged to have been part of a season where we pushed ourselves to the longest, and to get to know my team,” he commented to reporters afterward. “Experiencing my first World Series victory has been an immense honor.”
He added, “We were able to navigate the regular season thanks to the strength of this team and organization. Our postseason success mirrored how we overcame challenges during the regular season. Once again, it’s the strength of the organization. I feel incredibly honored to be part of this.”
