Who is Shohei Ohtani's father, and how did he shape his son’s passion for baseball?

Japanese-born baseball player Shohei Ohtani is one of the most talented players in the MLB. It appears that from a young age, his father, Toru, helped mold his passion for baseball.

In the Japanese Industrial League, Shohei's father played outfield in baseball on a semi-pro level. Ohtani was mentored by his father while growing up and showed an early talent for the sport. The LA Angels two-way phenom began playing baseball in his second year of elementary school.

"Shohei made his hitting debut in front of his parents." - Aileen

After graduating from high school, Ohtani expressed a desire to enter the major leagues right away. Teams like the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers showed interest in signing him.

Finally, after playing four years in Nippon Professional Baseball's (NPB) Pacific League, Ohtani agreed a deal with the Los Angeles Angels on Dec. 8, 2017. On Mar. 29, 2018, Shohei Ohtani started as the DH on Opening Day against the Oakland Athletics.

In 2023, Shohei Ohtani is set to enter his sixth MLB season with the Angels.

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Shohei Ohtani's MLB career awards and highlights

Tampa Bay Rays vs Los Angeles Angels

LA Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani has achieved a lot in a short span ever since he joined the MLB.

Here are his career highlights since 2018:

• 2× All-Star (2021, 2022)
• AL MVP (2021)
• 2× All-MLB First Team (2021, 2022)
• 2× All-MLB Second Team (2021,2022)
• AL Rookie of the Year (2018)
• Silver Slugger Award (2021)
• 2× Edgar Martínez Award (2021, 2022)
• AL Triples Leader (2021)
• Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award (2021)
• Hit for the cycle on June 13, 2019

AP Athlete of the Year (2021)"Shohei Ohtani does it ALL!" - MLB Stats

Currently, Ohtani is representing his home country, Team Japan, in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.