Shohei Ohtani was born and raised in the town of Ōshū in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. His father, Toru Ohtani, was an amateur baseball player, and his mother, Kayoko, was a badminton player at the national level. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Shohei was inspired to play baseball from a young age. He started playing in elementary school and quickly became known for his powerful throwing arm.
| Full Name | Shohei Ohtani |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1994 |
| Age | 30 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Ōshū, Iwate, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Player |
| Current Team | Los Angeles Angels (MLB) |
| Position | Pitcher, Designated Hitter |
| Batting | Left |
| Throwing | Right |
| Height | 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
| High School | Hanamaki Higashi High School |
| MLB Debut | 2018 |
| Notable Awards | 2021 AL MVP, 2018 AL Rookie of the Year |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Father | Toru Ohtani |
| Mother | Kayoko Ohtani |
| Siblings | One older brother, Ryuta Ohtani |
Career
High School Career:
Ohtani attended Hanamaki Higashi High School, where he showcased his extraordinary talent as both a pitcher and a hitter. He became widely recognized after recording a 99 mph fastball during the National High School Baseball Championship.
Professional Career in Japan:
In 2012, Ohtani joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). He played as both a pitcher and an outfielder, a rare occurrence in modern professional baseball. His remarkable versatility earned him the Pacific League MVP award in 2016.
Major League Baseball (MLB) Career:
In December 2017, Shohei Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Angels in MLB, where he continued to play as a dual-threat player, both pitching and hitting. His first season was interrupted by injuries, but he still won the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2018. In 2021, Ohtani had a historic season, becoming the first player to be named an All-Star as both a pitcher and a hitter. He won the AL MVP award that year.
Injuries and Challenges:
Ohtani has faced multiple injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2018 and a knee surgery in 2019. Despite these setbacks, he has continued to perform at an elite level.
Notable Achievements:
- 2021 American League MVP
- 2018 AL Rookie of the Year
- Multiple-time MLB All-Star
- First player to record over 100 strikeouts as a pitcher and 100 RBIs as a hitter in a single season.
Personal Life
Shohei Ohtani is known for being private about his personal life. As of now, he is not married and there have been no public reports about a girlfriend. Ohtani focuses intensely on his career and has mentioned that his daily routine revolves around improving his game.
Net Worth
Shohei Ohtani has earned a significant income from his baseball career, endorsements, and sponsorships. His estimated net worth as of 2024 is around $50 million.
Net Worth Table
| 2020 | $10 million |
| 2021 | $15 million |
| 2022 | $25 million |
| 2023 | $40 million |
| 2024 | $50 million |
Shohei Ohtani is considered one of the most remarkable athletes in baseball history, redefining what it means to be a two-way player in the modern era. His talent, dedication, and work ethic have made him a global icon and a beloved figure in the baseball community.