Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 season was, in one word, legendary! He achieved the unthinkable feat even when not being 100% a two-way player. He entered the 50-50 club, beat baseball greats’ records, and won the World Series in his first post-season stint in MLB. Not to forget, he also got the 2024 National League MVP. But he wasn’t at the Annual Baseball Writers dinner to collect the award. The reason? The wildfire crisis in California right now.
However, he did send a pre-recorded message, and it was in English. This small gesture to thank everyone in their dialect is a testament to his humble nature. And almost 95% of his speech was about thanking everyone. He expressed gratitude to several entities who played a huge role in his and the team’s success – from the team’s owner to coaches and more.
But one person he rather thanked specially was his better half, Mamiko Tanaka.
“Thank you to my beautiful wife, [Mamiko Tanaka]. Thank you for always being there for me. And to my family and friends for their support,” said Shohei Ohtani in his speech. And truly throughout the season, even though Mamiko Tanaka is a private person, she has been out and about and been super supportive of her husband. She along with Decoy was seen at many crucial moments of Ohtani this season.
Even Shohei Ohtani’s dad credited a lot of Ohtani’s success to Mamiko Tanaka. Speaking to Japanese journalists, Ohtani senior had said, “Shohei has reached a major milestone by marrying Mamiko, and I have the impression that he is playing baseball more calmly… Without Mamiko-san, you wouldn’t be the Shohei Ohtani you are today.” Well, now as a couple, they are in new territories – about to enter the realm of parenthood.
Only last month, Shohei Ohtani surprised everyone again by announcing that he and Mamiko Tanaka were expecting their first 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥. He posted a cute Instagram photo with 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 clothes and shoes, captioned, “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!”
But while this award, his personal life – everything is all great, the time right now is difficult with everything going on in LA, and he made sure to address it in his speech.
Shohei Ohtani offers prayers for those affected by fires
In Ohtani’s pre-recorded speech, he opened up about the devastating California fires and how it has deeply affected him and his family. Unable to attend for the same reason, he sent his thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the disaster. He dedicated his NL MVP award to the first responder and the organization battling the crisis.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to all those families that lost their homes and loved ones, all the families affected by the fires, and all the animals displaced or lost,” shared Ohtani. And truly, ever since the fires began, it has claimed several lives in Los Angeles. The scale of destruction is huge. And well, Ohtani is doing his bit for the community.
Ohtani announced that he would be donating $500,000 in support of the families, firefighters, and even animals that are displaced. Even the Los Angeles Dodgers, along with several other teams, have launched LA Strong. It’s a merchandise line featuring T-shirts, sweatshirts, and more to support wildfire relief, donating to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross.
Ohtani’s contribution is not just financial; it’s a reminder of how people when given a pedestal, do give back to the community that stood by them. Humanity prevails! Don’t you think?
