Shohei Ohtani is a renowned Japanese professional baseball player referred to as "Shotime" and "The Unicorn". As of October 2024, he is a part of the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB). He formerly played for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham-Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 2013 until 2017. Ohtani aided the team to clinch their victory in the 2016 Japan Series.
He was posted to MLB and signed with Los Angeles Angels after the 2017 season, where he won the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2018. In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani played for Japan internationally. After Japan defeated the USA in the tournament, he was named the MVP of the event. Japan's third title and a 3–2 victory were secured when Ohtani struck out Angels teammate and USA captain Mike Trout on a full count in the final game. Shohei Ohtani has become a four-time MLB All-Star player with three AL All-Stars and one NL All-Star award among other notable accomplishments so far in his career.
Who are Shohei Ohtani’s Parents?
Shohei Ohtani is the son of Toru Otani and Kayoko Otani as per People. His parents had both been athletes during their early life. Toru Ohtani has been a former amateur baseball player while Kayoko Ohtani is a former badminton player.
Who is Shohei Ohtani’s Mother?
Kayoko Otani is the mother of Shohei Ohtani as per People. She excelled in badminton during her youth, becoming a national-level player, and continued to play for non-professional clubs throughout her life.
Talking about his mother (via People), Shohei Ohtani revealed that his mother would take him to the badminton courts when he was little. He also revealed that he could never beat his mother in a game of badminton.
Who is Shohei Ohtani’s Father?
Toru Otani is the father of Shohei Ohtani as per People. He worked at a local automobile plant. He also pursued his baseball passion by playing as an amateur in the Japanese Industrial League. Throughout Shohei's childhood, Toru coached him in the game from his elementary school to his junior high school.
Talking about his father (via People), Shohei Ohtani revealed that he and his father probably spent more time on the field than anywhere else until he reached high school. He stated that there was no special treatment for him. Toru Ohtani was first a coach to his son and then a father while they practiced the game. Toru Ohtani kept a notebook in which he used to note down advice for his son during his games.
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What Nationality are Shohei Ohtani’s Parents?
Shohei Ohtani was born to Toru Otani and Kayoko Otani, both of whom are Japanese nationals residing in Oshu, Japan. As per People, he grew up with two siblings, an older sister named Yuka and an older brother named Ryuta. Like Ohtani, his elder brother is also involved in amateur baseball within the Japanese Industrial League.
FAQ's On Shohei Ohtani’s Parents
A. Shohei Ohtani's mother Kayoko Ohtani is a former badminton player. His father Toru Ohtani is a former amateur baseball player and he also worked at a local automobile manufacturing plant.
A. Shohei Ohtani plays as a two-way-player for the Los Angeles Dodgers in MLB.
A. Yes, Shohei Ohtani has represented Japan in international baseball tournaments. He played for the Japanese national team in the 2017 and 2023 World Baseball Classic.
A. Shohei Ohtani wears jersey number 17 for the Los Angeles Angels in the MLB.
A. Shohei Ohtani is not the first Japanese player to play in the MLB. Japanese players have been participating in the MLB since the 1960s.
