Shohei Ohtani (sometimes otani) nicknamed “Showtime” is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher , designated hitter and outfielder for the Los Angeles Angles of Major League Baseball (MLB) . He previously played for Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball’s (NPB) Pacific League . He has also won many accolades and is the current holder of the record of throwing the fastest pitch by a Japanese pitcher at 102.5mph . In this article we are going to know about his personal life, professional career and his achievements .
Basic Information
• Birth – July 5 , 1994 (age27) .
• Birth place – Oshu , Iwate , Japan .
• Gender – Male
• Height – 6 foot 4 inches (1.93 m) .
• Weight – 210 pounds (95kg) .
• Parents – Toru Otani (father) and Kayoko Otani (mother) .
• Siblings – Ryuta Otani (brother) and Yuka (sister) .
• Nationality – Japanese
• Net worth – $2.2 million (apprx) .
Personal Information*
• Family
Ohtani was born to Toru Otani(father) and Kayoko Otani(mother) . Toru was a baseball player and employee at the local Mitsubishi plant. Othani was introduced to the baseball by his father . His mother has been a Japanese badminton player.He has a brother named Ryuto Otani who is a Japanese baseball player .
• Shohei’s Girlfriend
Shohei Ohtani did not get married yet . All signs poimt out to Shohei being single , but in the past he was rumoured to be in relationship with Kamalani Dung . Kamalani is a pitcher and sports marketer. She is from Hawai.
Professional Career*
• In the early stages of his , Shohei Ohtani registered the record of the fastest pitch by a Japanese High School pitched at 99 mph . He participated in 2012 18U Baseball World Championship .
• He had made up the decision to go to the US to play in the major league after high school .
• He debuted at 18 as a rightfielder in the Fighter’s first game of the season on March 292013 . He had an incredibly successful first year in MPB gathering a record of 3-0 in 11 starts at the end of the season .
• He was used as a rookie in both outfield and at pitcher by the fighters . He performed really very well throughout the season which made him earned a Pacific League roster spot for the All-Star Game 2013 .
• In the next two seasons Ohtani solidified his position in the team . He was voted into the All-Star Game in these two seasons . Also by the end of the year his salary had reached 100 million yen a year .
• In 2016 Shohei Ohtani played a pivotal role in the Fighters reaching the 2016 Japan Series and then winning the championship four games to two against Hiroshima Toyo Carp .
• In 2017 , he appeared in 65 games and recorded a hitting average of .332 with 8 home runs and 31 RBIs while pitching 3-2 , 3.20 with 29 stikeouts .
• He became the newest addition to the LA angels on December 8 , 2017 .
• 2015 WBSC Premier 12
In the 2015 WBSC Premier 12 held in Japan and Taiwan , Ohtani earned a bronze medal with the Samurai Japan National Baseball Team . Ohtani made two pitching appearances for Japan, both against the Republic of Korea, winning Game 1 of the opening round and getting a no-decision in the semifinals . He was named the 2015 WBSC Baseball Player of the Year .
• 2017 World Baseball Classic
Ohtani was included in the 28-man roster for the Japan National Baseball Team of the 2017 World Baseball Classic , but was forced to withdraw due to an ankle injury .
Awards and Achievements
• 2 × American League Player of the Month (June 2021 , July 2021) .
• 4 × American League Player of the Week ( April 8 , 2018 ; September 9 , 2018 ; June 20 ,2021 ; July 4 , 2021 ) .
• American League Rookie of the Year (2018) .
• ESPYAward for Best Major League Baseball Player (2021) .
• Major League Baseball All–Star Game selection (2021) .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Shohei Ohtani speak English ?
Though Ohtani has proved to be quick learner , the Japanese superstar does not have enough command of English language to go without an interpreter .
What college did Shohei go to ?
Ohtani went straight to professional baseball from Hanamaki Higachi High School .
Can Shohei Ohtani pitch and hit in the same match ?
Ohtami has been allowed to pitch and hit in the same game numerous times in 2021 .
What is Shohei Ohtani’s salary ?
Ohtani is playing for the bargain price of $3 million in 2021 .
Does Shohei Ohtani have instagram ?
OHtami ‘s official instagram handle – @shoheiohtani .