Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting their first child, marking a significant personal milestone for the celebrated athlete. The couple's announcement, shared via Ohtani's social media, comes shortly after a year of professional and personal transformations.
The announcement included a photo of baby clothes, an ultrasound image, and their dog, Dekopin, conveying the excitement surrounding the family expansion. This news follows their marriage reveal last off-season, adding to the ongoing narrative of Ohtani's life off the field.
Ohtani, who recently completed his first season with the Dodgers after signing a landmark $700 million contract, experienced a season of significant change. Despite being unable to pitch due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, he played a key role in the Dodgers' World Series victory.
Further solidifying his status as a top player, Ohtani also secured his third MVP award while achieving a historic 50-home run and 50-stolen base season, a first in MLB history. His return to pitching is expected for next season.
Now, as Ohtani prepares for a full-time return to two-way play in the upcoming season, he also looks forward to embracing fatherhood. The addition of a new family member adds another layer to his already dynamic narrative as a sports icon.
This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
