"Without Mamiko-san, you wouldn't be the Shohei Ohtani you are today" - Dodgers superstar’s dad shares emotional message after team clinched division

After the LA Dodgers won the NL West title on Thursday, Shohei Ohtani's father shared an emotional message outlining an important difference he has seen in his son this year. According to Toru Ohtani, Shohei's father, the Dodgers superstar has become a different man both on and off the field after his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka earlier this year.

Speaking to Japanese journalist Naoyuki Yanagihara after the Dodgers' win over the San Diego Padres to clinch the division, Ohtani senior said in an emotional message:

"Shohei has reached a major milestone by marrying Mamiko, and I have the impression that he is playing baseball more calmly... Without Mamiko-san, you wouldn't be the Shohei Ohtani you are today."

Shohei Ohtani began an important new chapter in his life after his record-breaking move to the Dodgers from the LA Angels in the offseason. Ahead of the season with his new team, the Japanese star also revealed that he got married to Mamiko Tanaka. Since then, Ohtani has been in terrific form, breaking one record after another to record the first ever 50-50 season in MLB history.

This historic season has now culminated in an NL West title for the Dodgers and the first opportunity for Ohtani to compete in the playoffs since joining the MLB.

After he clinched the division title this week, Ohtani's father opened up to the media about some of the changes he has seen in his son. Among those, the biggest seems to be his wife, Mamiko. According to Toru Ohtani, his son's performance on the field has improved since getting married, and so has his life outside the field.

Shohei Ohtani surpasses Ichiro Suzuki's record for most stolen bases by a Japanese-born player in the MLB

After winning the NL West on Thursday, the Los Angeles Dodgers started their final series of the regular season with an 11-4 win over the Colorado Rockies on Friday. Building on an already incredible season, Shohei Ohtani reached yet another milestone when he recorded his 57th stolen base of the season.

Before Friday's game, MLB legend Ichiro Suzuki held the record for the most stolen bases by a Japanese-born player in a single season. Ohtani has now surpassed Suzuki to add yet another record under his belt, while he has two more games remaining to increase his lead.