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TOKYO — Shohei Ohtani, the renowned baseball sensation, has made a surprising revelation by announcing his marriage.
Taking to Instagram on Thursday in Japanese, Ohtani shared, “As the season draws near, I would like to inform everyone that I have tied the knot.”
While Ohtani disclosed his marital status, he chose not to reveal the identity of his new spouse, simply describing her as a “Japanese woman.” Further details are anticipated to be disclosed during an upcoming interview, likely to be conducted at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ spring training venue.
The 29-year-old Ohtani, a towering figure in Japan’s celebrity landscape, has traditionally maintained a discreet stance regarding his personal affairs. Throughout his career, he has upheld a persona solely centered around baseball, devoid of any entanglement with scandals or tabloid gossip.
Having recently transitioned from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers in December under a groundbreaking contract valued at $700 million over a decade, Ohtani expressed, “While embarking on this new journey with the Dodgers, I’ve also embarked on a new life with a special individual from my homeland of Japan.”
In his Instagram post, Ohtani also introduced his canine companion “Dekopin,” affectionately known as “Decoy,” expressing hopes for their harmonious collaboration as a trio.
News of Ohtani’s marriage made headlines across North America overnight and dominated prime-time television in Japan. His rigorous training regimen in the United States receives daily coverage in Japan, solidifying his status as a source of national pride and establishing the Dodgers as Japan’s honorary team.
Currently undergoing training in Arizona for the upcoming Major League Baseball season, Ohtani is gearing up for the Dodgers’ inaugural games in Seoul, South Korea, against the San Diego Padres on March 20-21.
Despite a recent elbow surgery sidelining him from pitching duties for the season, Ohtani remains poised to contribute as a designated hitter and potentially in defensive positions. His spring training debut this week showcased his prowess with a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox.
Ohtani’s impressive track record includes 171 home runs, 44 of which were achieved last season, and a career batting average of .274. As a pitcher, he boasts a formidable record of 38-19 over five seasons, notwithstanding a setback in the 2019 season due to elbow surgery, resulting in a career ERA of 3.01.
Recognized as the American League Rookie of the Year in 2018 and subsequently crowned the American League MVP in 2021 and 2023, Ohtani’s multifaceted abilities have often drawn comparisons to baseball legend Babe Ruth.