Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani announces marriage
Jessica Speed - Jason Coskrey
The Japan Times
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is married to a Japanese woman, he revealed in an Instagram post late Wednesday night, expressing excitement about the future.
Ohtani thanked his fans for their support during the “new chapter” of his career, and announced that he had married someone “very special” to him.
“Not only have I began [sic] a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married.”
Ohtani did not reveal any further details, and said he will speak with reporters on Thursday.
The news comes as Ohtani prepares for his seventh MLB season and his first with the Dodgers.
Ohtani was arguably the most high-profile free agent in MLB history during the offseason and signed a record-breaking 10-year $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December.
He is also returning from offseason elbow surgery that will keep him off the mound in 2024. He is still expected to be the Dodgers’ designated hitter this season and has been working to be ready for opening day.
Ohtani made his spring training debut with the team on Tuesday and showed off his progress with a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox.
“It’s definitely a big first step,” Ohtani said afterward. “The biggest thing is that I was able to finish off the game without any problems.”
Ohtani honed his two-way skills in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, where he was a star hitter and pitcher from 2013 to 2017. He was named the Pacific League MVP in 2016, when he was also the first player named to the Best Nine team both as a pitcher and hitter.
He moved to MLB via the posting system following the 2017 season and signed with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani quickly became one of the best and most popular players in the majors as he drew numerous comparisons to MLB legend Babe Ruth due to his immense success as a two-way player. Ohtani was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2018 and the unanimous selection as AL MVP in 2021 and 2023.
Ohtani has a .274 average and has hit 171 home runs — including 44 last season — as a hitter in MLB. He is 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA in five seasons as a pitcher. He missed the 2019 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Ohtani is hoping to be in the lineup when the Dodgers face the San Diego Padres MLB’s opening series in Seoul on March 20-21.
"Everything with his rehab is trending the right way," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. "He just homered the other day. I expect him to be in there in Korea."
Jessica Speed - Jason Coskrey
The Japan Times
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is married to a Japanese woman, he revealed in an Instagram post late Wednesday night, expressing excitement about the future.
Ohtani thanked his fans for their support during the “new chapter” of his career, and announced that he had married someone “very special” to him.
“Not only have I began [sic] a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married.”
Ohtani did not reveal any further details, and said he will speak with reporters on Thursday.
The news comes as Ohtani prepares for his seventh MLB season and his first with the Dodgers.
Ohtani was arguably the most high-profile free agent in MLB history during the offseason and signed a record-breaking 10-year $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December.
He is also returning from offseason elbow surgery that will keep him off the mound in 2024. He is still expected to be the Dodgers’ designated hitter this season and has been working to be ready for opening day.
Ohtani made his spring training debut with the team on Tuesday and showed off his progress with a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox.
“It’s definitely a big first step,” Ohtani said afterward. “The biggest thing is that I was able to finish off the game without any problems.”
Ohtani honed his two-way skills in Japan with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, where he was a star hitter and pitcher from 2013 to 2017. He was named the Pacific League MVP in 2016, when he was also the first player named to the Best Nine team both as a pitcher and hitter.
He moved to MLB via the posting system following the 2017 season and signed with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani quickly became one of the best and most popular players in the majors as he drew numerous comparisons to MLB legend Babe Ruth due to his immense success as a two-way player. Ohtani was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2018 and the unanimous selection as AL MVP in 2021 and 2023.
Ohtani has a .274 average and has hit 171 home runs — including 44 last season — as a hitter in MLB. He is 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA in five seasons as a pitcher. He missed the 2019 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Ohtani is hoping to be in the lineup when the Dodgers face the San Diego Padres MLB’s opening series in Seoul on March 20-21.
"Everything with his rehab is trending the right way," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. "He just homered the other day. I expect him to be in there in Korea."
Similar Readings (5 items)
Baseball: Ohtani shares 1st photo with wife as Dodgers head to Seoul
MLB star Ohtani announces marriage to Japanese woman
Ohtani talks about resolve to win at Dodger Stadium
Ohtani Shohei joins LA Dodgers with biggest contract in sports history
LA Dodgers officially announce 10-year deal with Ohtani
Summary
Shohei Ohtani, LA Dodgers star, announces marriage to a Japanese woman on Instagram. Despite no further details, he expressed excitement about the new chapter in his life. Ohtani is preparing for his first season with the Dodgers after signing a record-breaking 10-year $700 million contract and