Shohei Ohtani becomes a father as wife gives birth to baby girl

In Arlington, Texas, on April 19, 2025, Shohei Ohtani, a renowned two-way baseball star with the Los Angeles Dodgers, took leave from the team to support his wife during the birth of their first child. The announcement came before the Dodgers' series opener against the Texas Rangers, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani was placed on Major League Baseball's paternity list. He mentioned uncertainty about the baby's arrival timing, emphasizing Ohtani's commitment to being present alongside his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. Prior to these events, Ohtani had an impressive start to the season, contributing significantly to the team in all 20 of their games. As he awaited fatherhood, he dominated the field with a batting average of .288 and an OPS of .930, showcasing his dual threat as both a hitter and a pitcher. The last year had been monumental for him, having previously achieved historic heights in performance during the previous season. On April 19, shortly before the third game against the Rangers, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made the exciting announcement that Ohtani's wife had given birth to a girl. Though the couple's journey to parenthood had been eagerly anticipated by fans, the details about the baby's name remained undisclosed. The birth was celebrated with words of congratulations from Roberts, and there was speculation about when Ohtani might rejoin the team in anticipation of the ongoing series. The Dodgers were well aware of Ohtani's importance to the team and the league, and they worked quickly to adapt to his absence. In his stead, Eddie Rosario was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill his position as designated hitter. The Dodgers continued to perform well, managing to secure victories even without one of their star players, and displayed resilience amidst the challenges. Following the series in Texas, they were scheduled to face the Chicago Cubs, showcasing the busy schedule ahead for the team. As both Ohtani and his wife embarked on this new chapter of their lives, their fans expressed their joy and support through various platforms, echoing the sentiments shared by the team management.