Shohei Ohtani: Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Career, MLB, Stats, Awards, Contract, Wife, Net Worth, FAQs & More

We’ve all witnessed the peacefulness of the water before a storm. So, Shohei Ohtani, in a nutshell, is the calm before the storm on the baseball diamond. Anyway, we’ve always talked about the best of the best in every subject. When it comes to Major League Baseball, there is no doubt that Ohtani is the “one.” Many people believe it is inappropriate to compare him to the renowned baseball player Babe Ruth. Furthermore, the claimed rationale is straightforward. So, he has been dubbed “better than Babe Ruth.” Ohtani is the first player to be named both an All-Star pitcher and bat.

Shohei Ohtani, nicknamed “Showtime,” is a Japanese Major League Baseball pitcher, designated hitter, and outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels (MLB). Also, he formerly played for the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Pacific League’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Moreover, he was the Fighters’ first-round pick in 2012. From 2013 until 2017, he was a pitcher and outfielder with the Fighters in NPB. At 165 kilometers per hour, Ohtani achieved the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher in NPB history (102.5 mph). Moreover, he was released by the Fighters following the 2017 season and signed with the Angels. Also, he was named American League (AL) Rookie of the Year in 2018 and AL Most Valuable Player in 2021.

In this article, we are talking about this player. So, keep reading to know more about him.

Shohei Ohtani Birth

Ohtani was born on July 5, 1994, in Ōshū, Iwate, Japan, to Kayoko and Toru Otani. Kayoko, his mother, was a national-level badminton player in high school, while his father worked at a local automotive manufacturing facility while also playing amateur baseball in the Japanese Industrial League. Also, he is the youngest of three children, with one elder sister, Yuka, and one older brother, Ryuta, who is also a Japanese Industrial League amateur baseball player.  Ohtani was dubbed a “yaky shnen” in Japan, which refers to a child who lives, eats, and breathes baseball. Also, he showed an early knack for the game while being coached by his father. Moreover, he began playing baseball in his second year of elementary school and recorded all but one of the 18 outs in a six-inning regional championship game as a seventh-grader.

Shohei Ohtani Education

Shohei Ohtani went to and graduated from Hanamaki Higashi High School. Also, he noticed his baseball skills throughout those days. As a kid, Shohei idolized Tokyo’s Yomiuri Giants’ power-hitting left fielder Hideki Matsui. Furthermore, he never left a single-player contest and frequently watched it on television.

Shohei Ohtani Biography

Shohei Ohtani Career

Amateur

Ohtani could have played baseball for any great high school team in major cities like Osaka or Yokohama as a youngster. Also, then, instead, he chose Hanamaki Higashi High School in Iwate Prefecture, Northern Japan, the same high school where pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, whom he adored, competed as a swimmer and played baseball. Hiroshi Sasaki, Ohtani’s high school baseball coach, stated he was a quick swimmer who “might have made the Olympics.” Hanamaki Higashi’s players reside on campus under Sasaki’s direction, going home only six days a year. To teach Ohtani humility, Sasaki would give him toilet cleaning duties. As a high school pitcher, Ohtani threw a 160 km/h (99 mph) fastball.

He threw the pitch in the Summer Koshien, Japan’s national high school baseball championship event. Moreover, he had a 0-1 win-loss record at the 2012 18U Baseball World Championship, with 16 strikeouts, eight walks, five hits, and five runs, and a 4.35 earned run average (ERA) in 10+1⁄3 innings pitched.

Professional

Ohtani stated a desire to enter the major leagues straight out of high school and was courted by a number of organizations, including the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers. On October 21, 2012, he revealed that, rather than turning professional in Japan, he will pursue a career in Major League Baseball. Also, the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters opted to choose him despite the fact that he was unlikely to play for them. Following an exclusive negotiation window between him and the Fighters, Ohtani declared that he will sign with the Fighters and spend some time in Japan before considering a transfer to MLB.

Hokkaido indicated it would enable Ohtani to play both pitcher and position player; the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani’s preferred MLB team, were not willing to let him play both positions. Also, he was given the number 11 jersey, which had previously been worn by Yu Darvish.

HNH Fighters

Shohei made his debut as a rookie right fielder in the season opener. Also, he also appeared on the Pacific League roster the same year he made his debut, as an outfielder and pitcher. So, hebroke multiple records, being the second rookie picked out of high school and the first to play two positions. Not to add that his supporters elected him as the most visible rookie to the All-Star Game. Soon after, Shohei became the first Japanese baseball player to have double-digit home runs and victories. Also, the next year, with his 162 km/h (101 mph) fastball, he became the first Japanese to have the fastest pitch.

Shohei guided the Japanese national team to international triumphs by 2014. Also, he had also become a dominant pitcher, having multiple trophies to his name. Also, then, in addition, he was the first player to collect pitcher and hitter accolades. So, hefinally stood out for MLB organizations after years of playing in the Japanese League. Also, he had an injury that caused a few people to back down during their term, but he still had a lot of options.

Los Angeles Angels

Shohei Ohtani inked a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels on December 8, 2017. Also, he began his career with the 25-man roster on Opening Day. So, hebecame the first Angels player in history to homer in his first two professional home games in a row. Also, he made his MLB debut in early 2018, striking out six batters in six innings despite surrendering three runs to earn his first victory. So, hehas hit his 19th home run of the season by September of 2018. It broke the record for the most home runs by a Japanese player. Also, the next year, he became the first Japanese player in MLB history to bat for the cycle. Later, Shohei had some issues in the start of 2020, but he was soon to be back on track.

In 2021, he became the first player in over a century to start a game on the mound and led the Majors in home runs. Likewise, he is the first pitcher and the first Japanese player to be chosen for the 2021 Home Run Derby. At the same time, he has become the first player to hit 30 home runs and steal 10 bases in his first 81 games. So, he has effectively etched his name into the annals of our time. To clarify, he is the only player in baseball history to be named an All-Star as both a position player and a pitcher.

Shohei Ohtani Injuries

Shohei Ohtani has been injured multiple times as a professional athlete. One of his first professional injuries occurred during the 2016 Japan Series. Also, he had an ankle ailment at the time, which necessitated surgery on his right ankle. Also, then, in addition, he was unable to attend the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Later, after signing with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2017, he suffered a first-degree UCL sprain in his right elbow. As a result, he received the platelet-rich plasma injection to treat his injuries. Furthermore, Shohei left his game against the Boston Red Sox in the second inning due to a blister on his right middle finger.

He was placed on the disabled list shortly afterwards due to a Grade 2 UCL sprain in his right elbow. As a result, he received platelet-rich plasma and stem-cell injections. Shohei’s MRI revealed UCL injury later that year. Also, then, in October, he successfully had Tommy John surgery. Similarly, they stated in 2019 that Shohei will need to have another surgery for the bipartite patella. Also, he then sustained a flexor strain on his right elbow in 2020. Meanwhile, he was unable to pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays due to a blister.

Shohei Ohtani Contracts

Ohtani’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million as of 2021. Although his primary source of income is his contracts with the Los Angeles Angels, he also receives money from a number of top-tier sponsors. Moreover, he debuted in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Angels ahead of the 2018 season. Then, his contract for the 2018 season was paid $545 thousand, which is approximately average for an international rookie deal. Moreover, he made $650 thousand in 2019, remaining consistent with his first season. Then, his pay jumped to $3 million in 2021, and he is presently on course to earn $5.5 million for the 2022 MLB season.

While this isn’t much in comparison to contracts for players like Bryce Harper and Ohtani’s teammate Mike Trout, it is due to Ohtani’s service time. So, he has been in the MLB for four seasons, so his current salary makes sense. Don’t be shocked if Ohtani signs a multi-year contract worth $250-300 million in a few seasons.

Shohei Ohtani Net Worth

Shohei Ohtani is a wealthy baseball player who is also one of the most popular. So, he has gained quite a bit of money and recognition since entering the professional field. Ohtani’s net worth, on the other hand, is still being calculated. So, hesigned a one year deal as a rookie, earning an average salary of $545,000. Following that, he earned an annual salary of $650,000. Also, he initially signed with the Los Angeles Angels for a $2.315 million signing bonus. However, he just resigned his two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Angels. Shohei’s yearly average pay is expected to be $4,250,000 in 2022.

Shohei Ohtani Wife

People believe Shohei Ohtani’s wife is Kamalani Dung, according to social media allegations. So, because Ohtani did not reveal any information regarding his personal life, it is reasonable to conclude that he is single. Kamalani Dung, a professional pitcher and marketer residing in Hawaii, is reported to be Shohei Ohtani’s girlfriend. Furthermore, Ohtani and Dung appeared in a photo together, and many of their followers assumed they were dating.

However, there is no reality in Shohei and Kamalani’s connection. Meanwhile, Kamalani Dung has been blissfully married to her partner for several years. So, he has supportive parents, Tohru and Kayoko Ontani, in addition to their love life. Kamalani Dung, popularly known as “Kama Dung,” is a Waianae, Hawaii-based American right-handed softball pitcher and sports model. She is also a Gold Medalist and one of the finest softball pitchers to come out of the Hawaiian Islands.

Waianae, Hawaii, is where I was born and reared. Honey Rodrigues and Lance Dung are her parents. Lancen Dung is her younger brother. Dung is a professional softball pitcher who currently pitches for the Puerto Rican National Softball Team and the Athletes Infinite Softball League.

Shohei Ohtani Stats

Shohei Ohtani Home Runs

So, in 2022, he has hit 17 home runs.

Shohei Ohtani Facts

• The outstanding pitcher has twice been named to the Pacific League Pitcher Best Nine.
• In 2016, he became the first player in NPB history to win both Pitcher and Hitter, as well as the Designated Hitter Best Nine.
• In 2015, he was appointed Pacific League Era Leader.
• He has won the Nippon Professional Most Valuable Player Award in 2016 for an outstanding overall season.
• From 2013 to 2016, he was the NPB All-Star Game champion four times.
• Nez Balelo of CAA Baseball is his current sports agent.

Shohei Ohtani Birthday

Finally, his birthday falls on July 5 every year.

Shohei Ohtani Age

Besides, he is 28 years old now.

Shohei Ohtani Height

Also, he is 6 feet 4 inches tall.

Shohei Ohtani Weight

Also, his weight is around 68 Kg.

Shohei Ohtani Nationality

Moreover, Japanese is his nationality.

Shohei Ohtani Zodiac Sign

Besides, his zodiac sign is cancer.

Shohei Ohtani Instagram

Also, he has 1.4 million followers on his instagram account.

Shohei Ohtani Charity

Ohtani is as involved in philanthropic work as he is in sports. So, his jersey was auctioned off after he set the record for fastest pitch with a 162 km/h (101 mph) fastball in 2014. Then, his jersey was the highest sale in the All-Star 2014 Charity Auction, selling for 1,752,000 yen ($17,000). Also, he afterwards contributed his proceeds to three Tohoku disaster relief charities for children. So, heexpressed his support for health-care professionals in his hometown at the commencement of the epidemic. Also, he backed the Japan Mask Project and even helped raise money for the Japan Heart. Similarly, Shohei donated his bat to the Yahoo Sale charity auction.

Shohei Ohtani Awards

• So, in 2021, he won the American League Most Valuable Player award.
• Also, in 2021, he won the Commissioner’s Historic Achievement Award.
• So, in 2021, he won the 2× American League Player of the Month Award.
• So, in 2018 and 2021, he won the 4× American League Player of the Week Award.
• Also, in 2021, he won the Major League Baseball All-Star Game selection award.
• So, in 2018, he won the American League Rookie of the Year Award.
• So, in 2021, he won the Silver Slugger Award at Designated Hitter.
• Also, in 2021, he won the Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.
• So, in 2021, he won the Los Angeles Angels Player of the Year Award.
• So, in 2021, he won the Nick Adenhart Pitcher of the Year Award.
• Also, in 2021, he won the Players Choice Award for Player of the Year.
• So, in 2021, he won the Players Choice Award for A.L Outstanding Player.
• So, in 2021, he won the Associated Press AP Athlete of the Year Award.
• Also, in 2021, he won the Baseball America Major League Player of the Year Award.
• So, in 2018, he won the Baseball America Rookie of the Year Award.
• So, in 2021, he won the Baseball Digest Player of the Year Award.
• Then, in 2021, he won the Sporting News Athlete of the Year Award.
• So, in 2021, he won the Sporting News MLB Player of the Year Award.
• So, in 2018, he won the Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award.
• Also, in 2021, he won the ESPY Award for Best Major League Baseball Player.
• So, in 2019, he won the Topps All-Star Rookie team.

Some Frequently asked Questions

Does Shohei Ohtani not speak English?

Of course, what Smith appears to have overlooked before going on his rant is that Ohtani does speak English as well as Spanish. Also, he likes to work with an interpreter because he is not proficient in the language.

What happened to Shohei Ohtani?

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels will not be placed on the disabled list after leaving Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox with right groin discomfort, the organization said Monday. Also, then, in the ninth inning, Ohtani was replaced by pinch hitter Jack Mayfield. On Sunday, he was the Angels’ designated hitter.

Who is Shohei?

Shohei Ohtani, nicknamed “Showtime,” is a Japanese Major League Baseball pitcher, designated hitter, and outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels (MLB). Also, he formerly played for the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Pacific League’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Moreover, he was the Fighters’ first-round pick in 2012. From 2013 until 2017, he was a pitcher and outfielder with the Fighters in NPB. At 165 kilometers per hour, Ohtani achieved the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher in NPB history (102.5 mph). Moreover, he was released by the Fighters following the 2017 season and signed with the Angels. Also, he was named American League (AL) Rookie of the Year in 2018 and AL Most Valuable Player in 2021.

How long is Shohei Ohtani’s contract?

The Angels’ current two-year, $8.5 million contract with Ohtani ends at the end of the season. Following that, he will be eligible for a final year of salary arbitration, effectively entering the process as a pitcher and hitter.

What is Shohei Ohtani jersey worth?

So, with five days left in the auction, an MLB All-Star Game jersey autographed by Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has a high price of more than $110,000. Also, Ohtani’s jersey is listed at $111,050 on the MLB Auction website, which is open through Wednesday night.

How much is Shohei’s net worth?

So, Shohei Ohtani is a wealthy baseball player who is also one of the most popular. So, he has gained quite a bit of money and recognition since entering the professional field. Moreover, Ohtani’s net worth, on the other hand, is still being calculated. So, he signed a one year deal as a rookie, earning an average salary of $545,000. Following that, he earned an annual salary of $650,000. Also, he initially signed with the Los Angeles Angels for a $2.315 million signing bonus. However, he just resigned his two-year, $8.5 million deal with the Angels. Moreover, Shohei’s yearly average pay is expected to be $4,250,000 in 2022.

Who is the wife of Shohei?

So, people believe Shohei Ohtani’s wife is Kamalani Dung, according to social media allegations. Also, because Ohtani did not reveal any information regarding his personal life. So, it is reasonable to conclude that he is single. Kamalani Dung, a professional pitcher and marketer residing in Hawaii, is reported to be Shohei Ohtani’s girlfriend. Furthermore, Ohtani and Dung appeared in a photo together, and many of their followers assumed they were dating.

Why isn’t Shohei Ohtani playing?

A two-way wonder Shohei Ohtani left the game in the ninth inning due to right groin stiffness, according to the club. Also, then, in the eighth inning, he went 0 for 3 with a walk and grounded into a double play. For his next at-bat in the ninth inning, Ohtani was replaced by a pinch-hitter.