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Shohei Ohtani’s wife Mamiko Tanaka has had an inside look at MLB history as the Los Angeles Dodgers star is one of the rare elite hitters who may be an even better pitcher. Ohtani has played a major role during the Dodgers’ World Series run, but it was not that long ago when the baseball star surprised the sports world by announcing he was married. Now, it appears Ohtani is a bit more willing to provide small details about his personal life. During the opening game of the World Series, Ohtani was serenaded with chants of “We don’t need him” from Toronto Blue Jays fans, a reference to the star’s decision to sign with the Dodgers over the Blue Jays during MLB free agency in 2023. Ohtani has been on an absolute heater since this unfortunate chant. Through the first three World Series games, Ohtani already has three home runs and six hits. The Dodgers star has no problem with providing some humor at his own expense. Apparently, Tanaka found the Blue Jays fans’ chant humorous, according to Ohtani. “It was a really great chant, and my wife really appreciated it,” Ohtani said, per MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan. Here’s what you need to know about Ohtani’s wife. Shohei Ohtani Has Been Reluctant to Share Personal Details About His Wife Mamiko Tanaka Even after the surprise marriage announcement, Ohtani has been reluctant to discuss his family life. Back in 2024, Ohtani took to Instagram to announce his marriage but declined to offer many more details in the media session following his announcement. “She is a Japanese woman,” Ohtani noted on February 29, 2024, per Associated Press. “I don’t really feel comfortable talking about when I got married exactly, but she’s a normal Japanese woman.” Back in April, the couple announced they are now the proud parents of a new baby daughter. Back in 2024, Shohei Ohtani Made a Surprise Marriage Announcement We are not too far removed from Ohtani’s surprise marriage announcement. The news came months after Ohtani made a major change by signing with the Dodgers. “To all my friends and fans throughout, I have an announcement to make: Not only have I (begun) a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have (begun) 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 on Instagram in 2024. “I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support.” Shohei Ohtani’s Wife Mamiko Is Also a Stellar Athlete & Played in the Women’s Basketball League for the Fujitsu Red Wave Tanaka has recently been spotted more in public while cheering on the Dodgers during their postseason run. Ohtani is not the only athlete in the family as his wife was a standout basketball player. Tanaka played in the Women’s Basketball League for the Fujitsu Red Wave. “She signed with the Red Wave in 2019, and the team finished the regular season with a 13-3 record,” ESPN’s Brianna Williams wrote in a March 14, 2024, story titled, “Shohei Ohtani shares first photo with wife, Mamiko Tanaka.” “The Red Wave’s most successful season during Tanaka’s tenure came in 2021. “They finished the regular season 17-3, including an 11-1 home record to secure a postseason berth. They won the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds, but were swept in the final. Tanaka shot 47.7% from the field and 69.9% from the free throw line in 28 games last season.”
