Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani expressed his excitement for the upcoming Major League Baseball opener against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. Ohtani, accompanied by his wife Mamiko Tanaka, shared his anticipation for the historic event during a press conference held with his Dodgers teammates.
For Ohtani, this game holds special significance as it marks the first time his wife will be attending such an event with him. He emphasized that while he looks forward to creating lasting memories with his wife, his primary focus remains on baseball.
The 29-year-old Ohtani, who recently revealed his marriage to Tanaka, a former professional basketball player, is set to make his debut with the Dodgers in the upcoming games. Despite undergoing elbow surgery last September, Ohtani's $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers positions him as a key player for the team, albeit in a designated hitter role for this season.
The Seoul games on March 20-21 will not only mark Ohtani's debut with the Dodgers but also represent the first MLB regular season games to be held in Seoul. The international media attention surrounding the event does not faze Ohtani, who expressed gratitude for the spotlight while maintaining his focus on the task at hand.
Surrounded by his Dodgers teammates, including Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, Ohtani acknowledged the excitement and anticipation leading up to the games. He emphasized his commitment to staying focused amidst the attention, highlighting his dedication to the sport and his team.
As Ohtani prepares to take the field in Seoul, the baseball world eagerly awaits his performance and the historic significance of the MLB opener in South Korea.
