Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers star, has shared exciting news on Instagram: he and his wife, former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, are expecting a baby. The two-time MVP and World Series champion expressed his joy with a post showing baby clothes and his dog, Decoy, alongside the caption, “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” Ohtani’s announcement adds another milestone to his already impressive career.
This announcement comes at the end of a remarkable year for Shohei Ohtani. In his debut season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in MLB to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His incredible performance helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series victory, marking his first postseason appearance. Ohtani also earned his third MVP award, his first in the National League, and joined Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players to win MVPs in both leagues.
Although this will be Shohei Ohtani’s first child, he has already played the role of “dad” to his dog, Decoy, who became the Dodgers’ unofficial mascot this season. Decoy was even featured in a special bobblehead giveaway, which showed Ohtani holding his dog. The pup made history as the first dog to throw out a first pitch on August 28 and was also part of the Dodgers’ World Series parade and celebration.