Shohei Ohtani facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024
Los Angeles Dodgers – No. 17
Designated hitter / Pitcher
Born: (1994-07-05) July 5, 1994 (age 31) Mizusawa, Iwate, Japan
Bats: Left Throws: Right
Professional debut
NPB: March 29, 2013, for the Hokkaidō Nippon-Ham Fighters
MLB: March 29, 2018, for the Los Angeles Angels
NPB statistics (through 2017 season)
Batting average	.284
Hits	297
Home runs	48
Runs batted in	166
Stolen bases	13
Win–loss record	42–15
Earned run average	2.52
MLB statistics (through 2025 season)
Batting average	.282
Hits	1,050
Home runs	280
Runs batted in	669
Stolen bases	165
Win–loss record	39–20
Earned run average	3.00
Teams
Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2013–2017) Los Angeles Angels (2018–2023) Los Angeles Dodgers (2024–present)
Career highlights and awards
NPB 5× All-Star (2013–2017) Japan Series champion (2016) Pacific League MVP (2016) NPB All-Star Game MVP (2016 Game 2) 3× Best Nine Award (2015–2016²) Best Battery Award (2015) Pacific League ERA leader (2015) MLB 5× All-Star (2021–2025) 2× World Series champion (2024, 2025) 4× MVP (2021, 2023–2025) 6× All-MLB First Team (2021–2025) AL Rookie of the Year (2018) NLCS MVP (2025) 4× Silver Slugger Award (2021, 2023−2025) 3× Hank Aaron Award (2023–2025) 2× Home run leader (2023, 2024) NL RBI leader (2024) Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award (2021) Team Japan World Baseball Classic MVP (2023) 2× All-WBC Team (2023²) WBSC Premier12 All-World Team (2015) WBSC Player of the Year (2015) 3× Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize (2016, 2018, 2023)
Medals Men's baseball Representing  Japan World Baseball Classic Gold 2023 Miami Team WBSC Premier12 Bronze 2015 Tokyo Team
Signature

Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani's name in kanji
Japanese name
Kanji	大谷 翔平
Hiragana	おおたに しょうへい
Transcriptions Romanization Ōtani Shōhei

Shohei Ohtani (born July 5, 1994) is a Japanese professional baseball player. He is famous for being a "two-way player." This means he is an amazing designated hitter (a player who only bats) and a fantastic pitcher (a player who throws the ball). He plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Fans call him "Shotime" because he makes every game exciting! Before joining the Dodgers, he played for the Los Angeles Angels in MLB and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. Many people say his best seasons are among the greatest in baseball history, like the legendary Babe Ruth.

Ohtani was a top pick in Japan's baseball draft in 2012. He won the 2016 Japan Series with the Fighters. In 2018, he moved to MLB and quickly won the Rookie of the Year Award. Even after some injuries, Ohtani won his first AL Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) in 2021. He was the first player to achieve so much as both a hitter and a pitcher in one season.

In 2023, Ohtani won his second AL MVP. He led the league in home runs! After that season, he signed a huge contract with the Dodgers. In 2024, he couldn't pitch due to an injury, but he still became the first MLB player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. He also helped the Dodgers win the 2024 World Series.

Ohtani returned to pitching in 2025. He hit 55 home runs, a new record for the Dodgers! He won his second straight NL MVP and helped the Dodgers win another 2025 World Series championship. He was also named the 2025 NLCS MVP.

Ohtani also plays for Team Japan. He led them to win the 2023 World Baseball Classic and was named the tournament's MVP. The final game against the U.S. was watched by many people around the world.

Growing Up: Shohei Ohtani's Early Life

Shohei Ohtani was born in Japan on July 5, 1994. His hometown was Mizusawa, which is now part of Ōshū, Iwate. His mom, Kayoko, was a great badminton player in high school. His dad, Toru, played amateur baseball and worked at a car factory.

Shohei is the youngest of three kids. He has an older sister, Yuka, and an older brother, Ryuta. Ryuta also plays amateur baseball.

When he was young, Shohei was known as a "yakyū shōnen," which means "baseball boy." He loved baseball more than anything! His dad coached him, and Shohei showed a natural talent for the game very early on. He started playing baseball in elementary school. By seventh grade, he was already making incredible plays in championship games.

High School Baseball Star

As a teenager, Ohtani chose to attend Hanamaki Higashi High School in his home area. This was the same school as a pitcher he looked up to, Yusei Kikuchi. His coach, Hiroshi Sasaki, said Ohtani was also a very fast swimmer!

The players at Hanamaki Higashi lived at the school. Coach Sasaki taught them important life lessons, like humility. In 2012, when Ohtani was 18, he threw a fastball that reached 160 kilometers per hour (about 99 miles per hour). This was a record for Japanese high school baseball at the time! He showed off his amazing pitching skills at the famous Summer Koshien tournament.

Ohtani's Professional Baseball Journey

After high school, Ohtani wanted to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) right away. Many MLB teams were interested in him. However, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan drafted him in 2012. They convinced him to play in Japan first. The Fighters promised Ohtani he could be a "two-way player," meaning he could both pitch and hit. This was a big deal, as most teams wanted him to choose just one role. He wore jersey number 11, like famous pitcher Yu Darvish before him.

Playing in Japan: Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2013–2017)

Ohtani batting in 2013 for the Fighters

Ohtani started his professional career in Japan at age 18 in 2013. He quickly became an All-Star. He played as a right fielder and also pitched. He was one of the first rookies in Japan to play both positions.

2014: Breaking Records in Japan

Ohtani continued to be a two-way star. He hit 10 home runs and won 11 games as a pitcher. He was the first Japanese player to reach double digits in both categories! He also threw a fastball that set a new record for the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher at 162 km/h (about 100 mph).

2015: Top Pitcher in Japan

Ohtani with the Fighters in 2015

In 2015, Ohtani became one of the best pitchers in the league. He led the league in wins and had a very low ERA (which means he allowed very few runs). He was chosen as the starting pitcher for the All-Star Game.

2016: Japan Series Champion and MVP

This was a huge year for Ohtani! He hit 22 home runs and had an amazing 1.86 ERA as a pitcher. He helped lead his team, the Nippon-Ham Fighters, to win the 2016 Japan Series championship. Ohtani was named the Pacific League MVP (Most Valuable Player) for his incredible performance. He even set a new NPB record by throwing a pitch at 165 km/h (about 102.5 mph)!

2017: Moving to MLB

In 2017, Ohtani announced he wanted to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States. He had surgery on his ankle, which kept him from playing in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Many MLB teams wanted him, but he chose to sign with the Los Angeles Angels.

Playing in America: Los Angeles Angels (2018–2023)

2018: Rookie of the Year

Ohtani on the mound in 2018

Ohtani made his MLB debut in 2018. He started as a designated hitter and got his first hit on Opening Day. A few days later, he made his pitching debut and earned his first MLB win! He also hit his first MLB home run. He quickly became the first Angels rookie to hit three home runs in three days. Ohtani became only the second player in MLB history, after Babe Ruth, to have 10 pitching appearances and hit 20 home runs in a single season. He won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.

2019–2020: Battling Injuries

Ohtani batting in 2019

Ohtani faced some tough years with injuries. In 2019, he had surgery on his elbow and later on his knee. Despite this, he made history by becoming the first Japanese-born player to hit for the cycle in MLB (hitting a single, double, triple, and home run in one game). In 2020, he had another arm injury that stopped him from pitching. He felt very frustrated during these times.

2021: Unanimous AL MVP Season

Ohtani with the Angels in 2021

Ohtani worked incredibly hard to get back to his best. He changed his training and diet. The Angels allowed him to play without limits as a two-way player. This season was amazing!

• He hit 46 home runs and struck out 156 batters.
• He was the first player ever chosen as an All-Star for both hitting and pitching.
• He won the American League Most Valuable Player Award by a unanimous vote (meaning every voter chose him!).
• He set Guinness World Records for his unique two-way achievements.
• The Sporting News even ranked his 2021 season as the greatest in sports history!

2022: More Two-Way Dominance

Ohtani in July 2022

MLB even created a new rule, sometimes called the "Ohtani rule," allowing a pitcher to stay in the game as a designated hitter after they stop pitching.

• Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to start Opening Day as both the starting pitcher and the leadoff hitter.
• He hit his first career grand slam and his 100th career MLB home run.
• He joined Babe Ruth as the only players with at least 100 home runs and 250 strikeouts as a pitcher.
• He finished the season with 15 wins and 219 strikeouts as a pitcher, and 34 home runs as a hitter. He was a finalist for the AL MVP again.

2023: Second Unanimous AL MVP

Ohtani with the Angels in 2023

After helping Japan win the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani had another fantastic season.

• He led the American League with 44 home runs.
• He won 10 games as a pitcher.
• He became the first player in MLB history to win two unanimous MVP awards!
• He was the first Japanese-born player to lead a U.S. major league in home runs.

Unfortunately, he suffered another elbow injury late in the season, which meant he couldn't pitch for the rest of 2023 and all of 2024. After the season, his contract with the Angels ended, and he became a free agent.

Joining the Dodgers: Los Angeles Dodgers (2024–present)

On December 11, 2023, Ohtani signed a huge 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This was the largest contract in professional sports history at the time!

2024: World Series Champion and Unanimous NL MVP

Ohtani on his way to 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in April 2024.

Because of his elbow injury, Ohtani only played as a designated hitter in 2024.

• He hit his first home run as a Dodger on April 3.
• On April 21, he broke Hideki Matsui's record for the most home runs by a Japanese player in MLB history.
• He joined the 30–30 club (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases) faster than almost anyone else.
• He then became the fastest player ever to join the 40–40 club (40 home runs and 40 stolen bases).
• On September 19, Ohtani made history by becoming the first and only player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season! He also set new Dodgers records for home runs and RBIs in a season.
• Ohtani made his first MLB postseason appearance and helped the Dodgers win the 2024 World Series championship!
• After the season, he won the National League MVP award unanimously. This was his third career unanimous MVP, and he became the first player to win MVP in both the American and National Leagues.

2025: Back-to-Back World Series Titles and NL MVP

Ohtani with the Dodgers at the White House in 2025

Ohtani started his second year with the Dodgers in Tokyo, Japan.

• On May 30, he tied a Dodgers record by hitting 15 home runs in one month.
• On June 16, Ohtani made his first pitching appearance for the Dodgers since 2023!
• He was selected as an All-Star designated hitter for the fifth straight year.
• On August 6, he got his 1,000th career MLB hit.
• On September 16, he hit his 50th home run of the season, becoming the first player in MLB history to record 50 home runs and 50 strikeouts as a pitcher in a single season.
• He finished the 2025 season batting .282 with 55 home runs, 102 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. He also had a 1–1 record with a 2.87 ERA as a pitcher.

Ohtani at the 2025 World Series championship parade

• In the postseason, Ohtani hit two home runs in the Wild Card Series.
• He made his first career postseason start as a pitcher in the Division Series, earning a win.
• In the NLCS, Ohtani had an amazing game, striking out 10 batters and hitting three home runs! He was named the 2025 NLCS MVP.
• He helped the Dodgers win the 2025 World Series again, giving him his second championship!
• After the season, Ohtani won his fourth career MVP award unanimously, his second straight NL MVP. He became the first player in MLB history to win multiple MVPs in both leagues.

Ohtani's International Baseball Career

2015 WBSC Premier12

Ohtani helped the Japanese national team win a bronze medal in the first-ever 2015 WBSC Premier12 tournament. He was the top pitcher for Japan and was named to the Premier12 All-World Team. He was also named the 2015 WBSC Baseball Player of the Year.

2023 World Baseball Classic

Ohtani played for Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He was named the MVP for his great hitting and pitching during the tournament. In the championship game against the U.S., Ohtani pitched the final inning and struck out his Angels teammate, Mike Trout, to win the championship for Japan! He was named the tournament's MVP and was the first player to be named to the All-WBC team as both a designated hitter and a pitcher.

Awards and Achievements

Honors

MLB

MLB Statistical Achievements

• 2× 50 home run club – 2024, 2025
• 50–50 club – September 19, 2024, vs Miami Marlins
• Hitting for the cycle – June 13, 2019, vs Tampa Bay Rays

Player Profile

Pitching Skills

Ohtani pitching for the Angels in 2018

Ohtani is a tall (193 cm or 6 ft 4 in) and strong (210 lbs) right-handed pitcher. He throws with an overhand motion. His main pitches include:

• A four-seam fastball that averages 97 mph and can reach up to 102.5 mph (165 km/h).
• A forkball or split-finger fastball that moves downward sharply, usually between 86–93 mph.
• An occasional curveball.
• A strong slider thrown at 85–91 mph.

Some baseball experts compare Ohtani to Justin Verlander. This is because both pitchers can throw harder when the game is on the line. They also keep their speed strong throughout the game, unlike many other pitchers.

Batting and Baserunning Skills

Ohtani batting in 2022

Ohtani bats left-handed. He is known as a power hitter who can hit many home runs. But he's not just a power hitter! Ohtani is also an excellent baserunner. He is very fast and uses a special feet-first sliding technique. He has led the league in stolen bases and even in hits that stay in the infield. Scouts have timed him running from home plate to first base in as little as 3.8 seconds! In 2021, his sprint speed was among the fastest players in MLB.

Off the Field

Personal Life

Shinzo Abe awarding Ohtani the Prime Minister Trophy at the 2018 Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize award ceremony.

Ohtani's nickname is "Shotime." He is one of Japan's most famous athletes. Because he plays two positions, he has always focused a lot on baseball. He often stayed in the team dormitory and spent his time at the gym.

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel with Ohtani holding a visa for Ohtani's dog, Dekopin

Ohtani has a dog named Dekopin, also known as Decoy. His dog even received an honorary visa from the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo!

Ohtani is married to former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka. He announced his marriage in February 2024. In March, he shared a photo revealing his wife's identity. On December 29, 2024, Ohtani announced they were expecting their first child. Their daughter was born on April 19, 2025.

Endorsements and Media Coverage

Ohtani has been represented by agent Nez Balelo since 2017. He was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2021. Since 2023, Ohtani's jerseys have been the best-selling of any player worldwide. He was the first Asian player to be on the cover of the MLB The Show video game in 2022. In 2025, Ohtani's character was added to the video game Fortnite, making him the first MLB player in the game.

Ohtani earns a lot from endorsements, which are advertisements for different brands. In 2025, his endorsement earnings were estimated to be $100 million! He works with many companies, including New Balance, Fanatics, Hugo Boss, Porsche Japan, and Japan Airlines.

See also

In Spanish: Shohei Ohtani para niños