Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani — Biography & Life Story

Full Name: Shohei Ohtani

Born: July 5, 1994

Birthplace: Ōshū, Iwate, Japan 🇯🇵

Encyclopedia Britannica
Who Is Shohei Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional baseball player known as the most extraordinary two‑way talent in modern baseball — excelling both as a pitcher and a hitter at the Major League Baseball (MLB) level. He currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB.

Encyclopedia Britannica
⚾ Career & Achievements
Early Life & Professional Start (Japan)
Ohtani grew up in a baseball‑loving family and quickly established himself as a standout high school pitcher with impressive speed and hitting ability.

Encyclopedia Britannica
He was drafted first overall in Japan’s NPB draft by the Hokkaido Nippon‑Ham Fighters and played there from 2013–2017, winning the Japan Series in 2016.

2018: Signed with the Los Angeles Angels and won AL Rookie of the Year.

His early MLB career was marked by both success and injuries, including Tommy John surgery that limited him.

2021: Breakout season — hit 46 home runs, struck out 156 batters, and became the first player named an All‑Star as both pitcher and hitter; also won his first MLB MVP award unanimously.

2023: Won his second unanimous MVP award and then signed a 10‑year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers — the richest in sports history at that time.

2024: Set MLB history by becoming the first player with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in one season and helped the Dodgers win the World Series.

Encyclopedia Britannica +1
2025: Continued his dominance and was named AP Male Athlete of the Year for a record‑tying fourth time as well as another MVP.
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Historic Feats

Ohtani is often compared to Babe Ruth because of his rare ability to dominate as both a pitcher and batter in the same season — a feat virtually unheard of in modern baseball.
Biography

🏡 Lifestyle & Personal Life
Family & Marriage

Ohtani married Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional Japanese basketball player, in February 2024.
Biography

The couple welcomed their first child — a daughter — in April 2025.

They also have a pet dog named Decoy, who appears on Ohtani’s social media.

Personality & Off‑Field Demeanor
Ohtani is known for being humble, disciplined, and private about his life outside baseball.

He avoids the nightlife and focuses on fitness, nutrition, and sleep to maintain peak perform
Fans have noted that he often gets mobbed in public due to his global fame.
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Diet & Fitness

He follows a strict diet focused on lean proteins and nutrients that support performance, and he generally does not drink alcohol to stay in athletic shape.

💰 Earnings, Contract & Net Worth

Ohtani’s Dodgers contract is worth $700 million over 10 years, with most of the money paid in deferred installments.

His net worth is estimated over $100 million (various estimates), bolstered by endorsements with major brands like New Balance, Seiko, and more

📊 Legacy & Impact
Ohtani has helped grow baseball’s global popularity, especially in Asia and North America.

He has redefined what’s possible in professional baseball by excelling at both hitting and pitching at the highest level.

Encyclopedia Britannica
Many consider him a generational talent and one of the sport’s most marketable athletes ever.

Nickname: “ShoTime”

MLB Debut: 2018

Teams: Los Angeles Angels (2018–2023), Los Angeles Dodgers (2024–present)
Positions: Pitcher / Designated Hitter

Notable Honors:

Multiple‑time MVP, World Series Champion, AP Male Athlete of the Year record holder look