Shohei Ohtani’s marriage announcement on Thursday surprised not only the Los Angeles Dodgers but also many worldwide. Manager Dave Roberts jokingly remarked that any wedding gift from the team to the two-time MVP would likely be deferred, much like most of the money in Ohtani’s contract. Roberts expressed his happiness for Ohtani and his bride, noting that they were caught off guard by the announcement and hadn’t had much time to consider a gift, but assured that it was on its way.
Ohtani, the versatile Japanese athlete, announced his marriage on Instagram early Thursday, unveiling a union that remains largely mysterious.
Speaking through an interpreter, Ohtani stated, “She is a Japanese woman. I don’t feel at ease discussing the precise timing of our marriage, but she’s a typical Japanese woman.”
During a brief interview on Thursday, Ohtani shared a few additional details about his relationship, mentioning that he had been acquainted with his new bride for three or four years.
At 29 years old, Ohtani holds the title of Japan’s most prominent celebrity. Despite widespread curiosity about his personal life, he has consistently maintained its privacy. His unwavering focus on baseball has kept his image untainted by scandals or tabloid sensationalism.