Who is Shohei Ohtani?
Shohei Ohtani is not just rewriting baseball history, he’s redefining what’s possible in modern sports. Popularly known as “Shotime,” this Japanese phenomenon is the first MLB player in over a century to excel as both a pitcher and a power hitter at an elite level. From his roots in Japan’s NPB league to becoming the highest-paid athlete in baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani’s has earned himself a spot in the halls of fame
Early Life & Background
Shohei Ohtani was born on July 5, 1994, in Ōshū, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. He comes from a sporty family where his father, Toru, was an amateur baseball player and coach, while his mother, Kayoko, was a national-level badminton player. Ohtani’s potential showed early, when he threw a 99 mph fastball at just 18. He attended Hanamaki Higashi High School, where he quickly rose to national attention as a prodigy capable of both pitching and hitting at elite levels. Despite being courted by American scouts early on, Ohtani initially chose to play professionally in Japan.
Rise to Fame in Japan
In 2013, Ohtani joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Over five seasons, he wowed fans and analysts with his ability to dominate as both a pitcher and a designated hitter. In 2016, he was named Pacific League MVP, boasting a 1.86 ERA and hitting .322 with 22 home runs, a feat that’s unheard of. This success led him to declare for MLB in 2017, attracting major interest from multiple teams. Ultimately, he signed with the Los Angeles Angels, citing their openness to him playing both ways.
MLB Career & Historic Achievements
Ohtani made his MLB debut in 2018, and from the start, he delivered. He was named AL Rookie of the Year, hitting 22 home runs and recording a 3.31 ERA in 10 pitching starts. After battling injuries, Ohtani returned in 2021 with arguably one of the greatest seasons in baseball history:
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46 home runs
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26 stolen bases
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156 strikeouts as a pitcher
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All-Star selection as both a hitter and a pitcher (the first ever)
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Unanimous AL MVP Award
He repeated his dominance in 2022 and 2023, breaking records and redefining two-way play. In 2024, Ohtani signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the richest contract in sports history.
Is Shohei Ohtani married?
Despite global fame, Shohei Ohtani remains famously private and humble. In early 2024, he quietly revealed he was married to Mamiko Tanaka, a former pro basletballer for the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan. Not long after this, they welcome their first child, a baby girl in April. His focus remains on baseball, charity, and inspiring youth athletes. He is deeply respected for his discipline, sportsmanship, and bilingual media presence, which has helped grow MLB’s popularity in Asia and beyond. Ohtani frequently donates to disaster relief efforts and youth sports programs in both Japan and the United States.
Net Worth & Endorsements
In 2025, Shohei Ohtani makes Forbes’ list of the World’s 10 Highest-Paid Athletes, with an estimated net worth of over $102.5 million. With major income streams from:
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His $700M Dodgers contract
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Endorsements with brands like New Balance, Seiko, Asics, Fanatics, and Topps
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Global merchandise sales, especially in Japan and Korea
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Commercial appearances and sponsorship deals in Asia and North America
His marketing appeal spans both athletic and lifestyle brands, making him one of the most marketable athletes on Earth.
Fun Facts About Shohei Ohtani
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Nickname: “Shotime”
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Bats: Left | Throws: Right
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Height: 6’4″ (193 cm)
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First Japanese player to win AL MVP unanimously
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Featured on the cover of MLB The Show 22 and 24
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Known for strict daily routines and clean living; no alcohol, no nightlife