Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers star, is celebrating an exciting milestone both on and off the field. On December 28, 2024, Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, shared the joyful news that they are expecting their first child. Ohtani, 30, excitedly announced on Instagram, “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon,” along with a sonogram photo and a pair of miniature sneakers.
The post also included an adorable image of the couple’s dog, Decoy, sitting next to the baby’s gear. Fans flooded the comments with congratulations, including ESPN Los Angeles, which wrote, “We’re getting a ShoBABY!” The announcement was a heartwarming moment for Ohtani’s followers, combining his personal happiness with his baseball success.
In addition to sharing their pregnancy news, Ohtani had previously revealed in February that he had married Mamiko Tanaka. He initially kept his wife’s name private but later shared the news with fans. On Instagram, Ohtani wrote, “I have begun a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers and a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me.” He thanked his supporters for their continued encouragement and expressed his excitement for the future.
Ohtani’s announcement also reflected his close connection to his fans, as he added, “We are still young, and many things we don’t know yet, but we hope you will warmly watch over us.” He spoke about the importance of supporting each other as a family, including their beloved dog Decoy and growing alongside their fans.
Ohtani’s journey to the Dodgers began after playing five seasons in Japan. He joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2017 and, after a successful stint, signed a 10-year contract with the Dodgers in 2023. Reflecting on his transition to the Dodgers, Ohtani expressed gratitude for the warm welcome from fans, stating, “I can say 100 percent that you, the Dodger organization and I share the same goal — to bring World Series parades to the streets of Los Angeles.”
Ohtani’s arrival in Los Angeles was marked by immediate success, and in October 2024, he led the Dodgers to a World Series win over the New York Yankees. The victory was significant for Ohtani, who reflected on the team’s strength and unity. “My first year and experience winning a World Series has been a tremendous honor,” Ohtani shared after the victory.
In his interview, Ohtani praised the Dodgers’ team dynamics, saying the success in the postseason mirrored the team’s efforts throughout the regular season. “Again, the strength of the organization. Extremely honored to be a part of this,” he concluded, showing his deep respect for the team and their collective achievement.
