
The Dodgers made the joyous announcement just ahead of their clash with the Texas Rangers, and Ohtani soon followed with a heartfelt personal statement.
“Welcome to the Ohtani Family! I am so grateful to my loving wife, who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter,” Ohtani wrote in an emotional message to fans, accompanied by a touching photo of his newborn daughter’s tiny feet.
“To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents. I would also like to thank the Dodgers organisation, my teammates, and the fans for their constant support and kind words of encouragement.”
The 30-year-old Japanese star also extended heartfelt gratitude to the medical professionals and everyone who stood by the couple during this life-changing moment.
For Ohtani, who is usually reserved when it comes to personal matters, this rare glimpse into his private life was nothing short of touching.
Shohei Ohtani family life: From private wedding to proud parenthood
Ohtani’s journey into family life has been a closely guarded affair.
The Dodgers superstar, who is world’s highest-paid baseball player as per Sportico and Forbes, first revealed in February 2024 that he had tied the knot, referring to his bride only as “a normal Japanese woman.”
It wasn’t until a month later that he shared a photo confirming her identity as Mamiko Tanaka.
Tanaka is a 28-year-old former professional basketball player who represented Japan at youth and collegiate levels, and played four seasons with the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women’s Japan Basketball League.
The couple announced they were expecting their first child in December 2024, and now, just four months later, they’re celebrating the arrival of their daughter.
While Ohtani was absent from Saturday’s game, his presence was very much felt.
The Dodgers placed him on Major League Baseball’s paternity list, allowing him up to three days of leave.
The team suffered a close 3–4 defeat against the Rangers and are now 15–7 for the season, but fans and teammates alike were full of well wishes for the new father.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed Ohtani’s temporary leave on Friday evening, with his earliest return expected on Tuesday when the Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs.