Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, have announced that they are expecting their first child. The news was shared by the Los Angeles Dodgers star on Instagram on December 28, alongside a heartwarming photo featuring various baby items, including a pink onesie, a pair of tiny sneakers, and a sonogram. Notably present in the announcement was Ohtani’s beloved dog, Dekopin, affectionately known as “Decoy,” who was pictured lying next to the baby gear. The caption expressed the couple’s anticipation for the arrival of their “little rookie” into the family.
Known for his private nature when it comes to personal matters, Ohtani had previously revealed his marriage to Tanaka in February through an Instagram post. Instead of sharing photos of the couple, he opted for a written statement in Japanese, accompanied by a message in the caption, expressing gratitude to his friends and fans for their support and announcing the beginning of a new chapter in his personal life.
While initially keeping his wife’s identity undisclosed, Ohtani later introduced Tanaka to the public through a photo posted on his Instagram account, showing them together with his teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers also joined in sharing a picture of Ohtani and Tanaka posing in front of an airplane.
Throughout the year, the couple has made several public appearances together, attending events such as the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala in May and the MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show in July. Tanaka has shown her unwavering support for her husband and the team by attending numerous games and cheering them on from the stands.
Ohtani’s tenure with the Dodgers has been marked by significant achievements and milestones. In December 2023, he secured a groundbreaking free agent deal, making history with the largest contract in baseball at the time, signing a 10-year, $700 million agreement as he transitioned from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers. This record was surpassed in December when Juan Soto inked a 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets.
Further solidifying his place in MLB history, Ohtani achieved a remarkable feat in September by becoming the first player ever to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. The Dodgers’ success culminated in a thrilling World Series showdown against the New York Yankees in October, resulting in a triumphant Game 5 victory that secured the team’s eighth championship.
The journey of Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka as they navigate parenthood alongside Ohtani’s illustrious baseball career continues to captivate fans, showcasing a blend of personal joy and professional success that resonates with audiences both on and off the field.
