Who is Shohei Ohtani? 10 Facts You May Not Know About the Dodgers Star
The Los Angeles Dodgers have a once-in-a-generation talent on their team. Two-way player Shohei Ohtani has made history in just one season with the Dodgers. Here are 10 facts about the Japanese-born superstar you may not have known (click here for a full video on Ohtani’s history from Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain).
1. Shohei Ohtani hit a baseball through the roof of the Tokyo Dome
Ohtani’s home runs have become routine. And he does not just hit home runs, he hits them far. In 2016, Ohtani hit a ball through the roof of the Tokyo Dome in an exhibition game against the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.
It was ruled a ground-rule double and is estimated to have traveled 525 feet.
2. Shohei Ohtani could have been an Olympic swimmer
In addition to baseball, Ohtani was a competitive swimmer in high school. His coach at Hanamaki Higashi High School said Ohtani had the ability to be an Olympic swimmer.
3. Both of Shohei Ohtani’s parents are former athletes
Ohtani’s father, Toru Ohtani, played semi-professional baseball in the Industrial League. He was an outfielder but retired after sustaining a shoulder injury. Ohtani’s mother, Kayoko Ohtani, was a talented badminton player.
4. Shohei Ohtani initially wanted to start his career in MLB
When he was 18 years old, Ohtani held a press conference stating he planned to start his career in MLB. However, the Nippon Ham Fighters still drafted him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NPB draft. He ended up spending five years in the NPB.
5. Shohei Ohtani lived off an allowance of $1,000 a month
In his early career, Ohtani made more than $2 million a year before endorsements. But he lived a modest life, as his mother controlled his finances and gave him a $1,000 monthly allowance.
6. Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Dodgers was the largest in professional sports history at the time
Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in 2024, which marked the highest-paying contract in professional sports history. His contract surpassed professional soccer player Lionel Messi’s four-year, $671 million contract with FC Barcelona. It has since been passed by Juan Soto, who signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.
7. Shohei Ohtani is the most marketable MLB player
Ohtani is estimated to make $100 million in endorsements this season. He makes more money in endorsements than Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Robert Acuña Jr., Clayton Kershaw, and Freddie Freeman combined.
8. Shohei Ohtani can opt out of his contract with the Dodgers under one condition
Ohtani can opt out of his contract with the Dodgers if president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman or chairman Mark Walter are no longer with the organization.
9. Shohei Ohtani accepted deferred money to help build a superstar team
Ohtani agreed to a $2 million salary per year, as he makes the most money in endorsements in MLB. This leaves $680 million in deferred money, and a ton of spending room for the Dodgers which Ohtani said must be used to acquire top talent. Since signing Ohtani, the Dodgers have added starting pitchers Tyler Glasnow, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Blake Snell, and Roki Sasaki.
10. Shohei Ohtani could avoid paying taxes on his deferred money
California State Controller Malia Cohen said Ohtani can avoid paying taxes on his deferred money if he moves back to Japan after his career. She said the current tax system allows for unlimited deferrals for those in the highest tax brackets.
Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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