Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani announces he is married
TOKYO — Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced on social media Thursday that he is married.
The two-way player, who moved from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers in December on a record-breaking contract worth $700 million over 10 years, wrote on Instagram in Japanese: “The season is approaching, but I would like to announce to everyone that I have gotten married.”
He said his new wife is also from Japan, without identifying her. He said he would reveal more in an interview Friday.
“I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers, but I also have started a new life with someone from my native country of Japan who is very special to me,” he wrote.
He asked the media to refrain from “conducting unauthorized interviews.”
The news broke in the middle of the night in North America, but it was late afternoon in Japan, where the story immediately became the top news item on local television.
Local television reports daily on his training in the United States, and because of his unprecedented success in North America, he has become the pride of Japan, and the Dodgers have become Japan’s de facto team.
Ohtani is training in Arizona for the Major League Baseball season, preparing for the Dodgers to open March 20-21 in Seoul, South Korea, in a two-game series against the San Diego Padres.
Ohtani, 29, is Japan’s biggest celebrity, and there has always been curiosity around his personal life, which he has kept private.
The post on Instagram also included a photo of his dog “Dekopin,” also called “Decoy.”
He wrote: “We hope the two of us — and one animal — will work together.”
Ohtani underwent surgery on his right elbow and will not pitch this season, although he will be used as a designated hitter.
In his spring training debut this week, he hit a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox
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Shohei Ohtani reveals little after surprise marriage news
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Shohei Ohtani stunned the Los Angeles Dodgers — and many around the world — with his marriage announcement Thursday, so manager Dave Roberts said any gift the team gives the two-time MVP would be like most of the money in his contract: deferred.
“I’m very happy for him and his bride,” Roberts said, smiling. “As far as wedding gifts, we got surprised and didn’t have much time to think about it. I’m sure it’s an route.”
Ohtani, the two-way Japanese star, revealed on Instagram early Thursday that he was married. Much of the relationship remains shrouded in mystery.
“She is a Japanese woman,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “I don’t really feel comfortable talking about when I got married exactly, but she’s a normal Japanese woman.”
Ohtani gave only a few more tidbits about the relationship during a short interview Thursday, saying he had known his new bride for three or four years.
Ohtani, 29, is Japan’s biggest celebrity. There has been curiosity about his personal life, which he has always kept private.
“I felt like it was good timing because it was before the season,” Ohtani said. “I didn’t really want any distractions once the season started. I would have liked to announce it earlier, but there were some paperwork issues that [delayed] the whole process.”
Ohtani moved from the Los Angeles Angels to the Dodgers in December on a record $700 million, 10-year contract that calls for $680 million to be paid from 2034 to 2043.
Ohtani said his marriage didn’t affect how he treated free agency.
“She has a great understanding of my profession, and she’s willing to be wherever I wanted to play, and ultimately it was my decision,” Ohtani said.
The post on Instagram included a photo of his dog Dekopin, whom Ohtani also calls Decoy.
He wrote: “We hope the two of us — and one animal — will work together.”
The news broke in the middle of the night in North America and late afternoon in Japan, where it was immediately the top news item.
Japanese television reports daily on Ohtani’s training in the United States, and because of his unprecedented success in North America, he has become the pride of Japan. The Dodgers have become Japan’s de facto team.
