Announcement of a New Family Member

Shohei Ohtani, star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently shared the joyful news of the arrival of his baby girl through an Instagram post. The 30-year-old athlete expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Tanaka Tagawa, 28, a former professional basketball player, for giving birth to their first child.

Ohtani’s Touching Message

In his post, Ohtani remarked, “Welcome to the Otani family! I am very grateful to my beloved wife who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter. Thank you to my daughter for making us very nervous and extremely anxious parents.”

He extended his thanks to the Dodgers organization, his teammates, and fans for their unwavering support. Ohtani also expressed his heartfelt appreciation for healthcare professionals who assisted them throughout the pregnancy.

Impact on Ohtani’s MLB Schedule

Following the birth of his daughter, Ohtani missed a game against the Texas Rangers. According to reports from MLB.com, he is now listed under the team’s “father’s list,” which allows him a leave of absence for three days. Should he require extended time off, he may be placed on a restricted list.

Future Expectations and Family Life

Ohtani, who previously hinted at his hopes of becoming a father through social media in December, expressed his excitement back then by sharing images of baby items, including a pink onesie and baby shoes. His dog, joyfully referred to as “Decopine,” was also featured in these anticipatory posts.

In December, he enthused, “We can’t wait for a little rookie to join our family any time soon!”

Ohtani’s Personal Life

Despite being one of the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball, Ohtani maintains a relatively private personal life. He and Tanaka confirmed their marriage in February 2024; however, initially withheld details about their relationship. It wasn’t until a few weeks later that Ohtani publicly shared photos with her, prompting excitement among fans.

His reflections on this new chapter of life reveal a significant emotional milestone: “I not only started a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers, but I also started a new life with someone from my home country that is very special to me.”