Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani anticipates that the upcoming Major League Baseball season opener against the San Diego Padres in Seoul will create “great memories” for him and his wife, although he remains focused on baseball.
Speaking at a crowded press conference alongside his Dodgers teammates, Ohtani shared his thoughts on the upcoming event, expressing excitement about his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, joining him for the game. “So I think it’s going to be great memories for both of us. But like I said earlier, I have one job to focus on. It’s baseball,”
Ohtani emphasized through an interpreter. Ohtani recently revealed his marriage to Tanaka, a former professional basketball player who competed for the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women’s Japan Basketball League.
Their appearance in Seoul marks a significant moment as Ohtani gears up for his debut with the Dodgers in the games against the Padres, which will also mark the first MLB regular season matches in Seoul.
Despite undergoing elbow surgery last September, Ohtani, who signed a groundbreaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December, is eager to contribute as a designated hitter and potentially in the field.
Acknowledging the intense international media scrutiny surrounding the games, Ohtani expressed gratitude for the attention while stressing his focus on the task at hand. “I’m really used to the attention, but I just try to focus on what’s in front of me, whatever it is,” he remarked, joined by teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
In South Korea, media coverage of Ohtani has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans showing strong support for the Japanese star. Reflecting on the rivalry between Japan and Korea, particularly in sports, Ohtani expressed appreciation for the warm reception and vowed to deliver an impressive performance for the fans.
