Shohei Ohtani hopes to help lead the Los Angeles Dodgers to multiple World Series titles, but for now the first ring he has since signing a record-breaking contract with the team is a wedding band.
Ohtani announced on Instagram late Wednesday night that he is married and looking forward to a new chapter in his life. Ohtani previously used Instagram to break news of his signing with the Dodgers in free agency.
“Not only have I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married,” Ohtani wrote in his Instagram caption.
“I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support.”
The photo Ohtani posted on Instagram was an announcement in Japanese that featured a picture of his dog, “Dekopin,” who is a Dutch Kooikerhondje and has an English name of “Decoy.”
“We hope the two of us — and one animal — will work together,” Ohtani wrote.
Who is Shohei Ohtani’s wife?
Ohtani’s breaking news caught the Dodgers organization and teammates by surprise as well. It also led to an increase of media attention at Camelback Ranch on Thursday, which previously seemed unfathomable for the 29-year-old superstar.
But in keeping with how he’s navigated many situations in his life thus far, Ohtani shared few details as to who his wife is. There was early speculation in Japan he married a basketball player, and that seemingly has now been confirmed.
“She is a Japanese woman, and I don’t really feel comfortable talking about when I got married, the exact date and stuff,” Ohtani said through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “But she’s a normal Japanese woman.”
It’s unclear if Ohtani and his bride had a wedding ceremony or formal celebration, but the couple met at least three years ago.
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