Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, welcomed their first child.
On Saturday (April 19), Ohtani's wife, Mamiko, gave birth to a baby girl, and the Los Angeles Dodgers announced it ahead of the team's game against the Texas Rangers. Ohtani then released a statement officially announcing the birth of his daughter and thanking his wife, the Dodgers, fans and medical staff who helped him reach this new chapter in his life.
"Welcome to the Ohtani Family! I am so grateful to my loving wife, who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter," wrote Ohtani in the message that also showed his daughter's bare feet. “To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents. I would also like to thank the Dodgers organization, my teammates, and the fans for their constant support and kind words of encouragement."
He continued, "I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to all the medical professionals and everyone who dedicated their support to us, up until this wonderful day."
Ohtani wasn't available for the Dodgers on Saturday as he had to be with his family. He was surely missed as the Dodgers lost to the Rangers 3-4 and are currently 15-7 in the new MLB season. The Dodgers placed Ohtani on the MLB paternity list and can remain there for up to three days. The earliest Ohtani will return is on Tuesday when the Dodgers face the Chicago Cubs.
