Shohei Ohtani has plenty to celebrate this year, and it’s been a monumental season for the two-way baseball superstar. In February, Ohtani married Mamiko Tanaka, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his personal life. Professionally, he began his first season under a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and his performance on the field has been nothing short of legendary.
Ohtani made history as the first player to join baseball’s exclusive 50/50 club, hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. His remarkable feats have thrilled baseball fans worldwide, and even his dog, Decoy, joined in the fun by participating in a first-pitch ceremony at Dodger Stadium earlier this year.
Now, Ohtani’s stellar individual achievements have contributed to the Dodgers’ success as the team clinched the NL West division title for the 11th time in 12 seasons with a 7-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night. In a heartwarming moment, Ohtani celebrated the division win alongside Decoy and his wife, Mamiko, who made a rare public appearance to join in the festivities.
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This season is particularly significant for Ohtani, as it marks the first time he will appear in the playoffs in his career. Despite his immense talent, Ohtani spent his first six MLB seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, a team that never reached the postseason during his tenure. Now, with the Dodgers, he finally has the opportunity to chase a championship on the grandest stage in baseball.
While Ohtani is a global superstar, details about his personal life remain shrouded in mystery. He and Mamiko, who tied the knot earlier this year, keep their relationship very private. In February, Ohtani took to Instagram to share the news of their marriage, describing Mamiko as a “normal Japanese woman” who is “very special to me.” Given their low-profile lifestyle, Mamiko’s appearance to celebrate the Dodgers’ NL West title was a rare and sweet moment for fans.
Mamiko, 27, is no stranger to athletic success herself. She was a former professional basketball player in Japan, playing for the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women’s Japan Basketball League from 2019 to 2023. Her sports background makes her a perfect match for Ohtani, as they both understand the demands and challenges of competing at the highest level.
As of now, Ohtani’s incredible season shows no signs of slowing down. He currently has 53 home runs and 56 stolen bases with just three games remaining in the regular season before the playoffs begin.
Though Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, his contributions as a hitter and baserunner have kept him at the forefront of the MVP conversation.
With the Dodgers poised for a deep postseason run, Ohtani and Mamiko may have even more to celebrate in the coming weeks. A World Series title would cap off an unforgettable year for the couple, adding another milestone to Ohtani’s already extraordinary career.
Fans will be eagerly watching to see how far the Dodgers can go and if Ohtani can help bring the championship trophy to Los Angeles.
