Japanese baseball star Ohtani Shohei announces marriage
The Los Angeles Dodgers player, who signed the biggest contract in sports last year, revealed that he is married on social media.
Baseball Softball
Japanese Baseball star Ohtani Shohei announced his marriage on Thursday (29 February).
Taking to social media, the Los Angeles Dodgers player and two-time American League MVP revealed that his new wife is Japanese, but not her full identity.
“Thank you for your continued support. As we approach the season I wanted to inform everyone today that I am now married,” he said on Instagram.
“I am off to a fresh start with a new team in a new environment, but the two of us (and one dog) hope to lean on each other as we chart a new path. We still have a lot to learn but we would be grateful for your support.
“She is Japanese. I will address the media tomorrow so I kindly ask that you refrain from contacting both families without authorisation.”
Ohtani is the first player to ever win the American League’s Most Valuable Player award unanimously twice.
In 2023, he helped the Japanese national team secure the World Baseball Classic, registering the last out on the mound before being named tournament MVP.
His popularity extends all across Japan, with even the figure skating legend Hanyu Yuzuru having cited him as an inspiration.
Last year, he joined the Dodgers on a 10-year, $700 million contract in what could be the biggest contract in team sports history
Ohtani will not be able to pitch in 2024 and will serve only as a hitter after undergoing season-ending surgery on an elbow injury back in September.