Baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, a prominent figure in Japan, has revealed that he has tied the knot, causing a stir on various social media platforms.
The announcement from the Los Angeles Dodgers star caught many off guard, as he has always been discreet about his personal life.
In an Instagram post on Thursday, the 29-year-old shared, “I wanted to inform everyone that I am now a married man.”
Ohtani praised his Japanese wife as someone “very special” to him but opted not to reveal her identity.
“Together with two people (and a dog), we will grow,” he informed his seven million Instagram followers, mentioning that a press conference would be held on Friday.
Last year, Ohtani made headlines by signing a groundbreaking 10-year, $700m (£552m) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying his status as one of the highest-paid athletes globally.
Distinguished by his exceptional abilities in both batting and pitching, Ohtani has been likened to the legendary American baseball icon Babe Ruth. Known as “Shotime,” he is recognized as one of the premier players worldwide.
Following Ohtani’s Instagram announcement, a flood of congratulatory messages poured in on social media, with the post garnering one million likes in under an hour.
However, many were disheartened to learn that Japan’s beloved figure was no longer single. “Shohei Ohtani is married. This is the worst day of my life,” lamented one user.
Another expressed joy for him, stating, “I am thrilled for him and his wife. I appreciate that he was able to share this news on his own terms.
” Ohtani, currently in the US for training, received warm wishes from his team as well. The LA Dodgers shared a post on X, featuring a video of him in action during a game, congratulating him on his new marriage.
Fans were left speculating about the identity of Ohtani’s bride. “Isn’t it incredible that this woman managed to fit into his busy schedule and successfully marry him?” remarked one social media user.
