There is no disputing that the starpower of Shohei Ohtani extends across the globe – and is perhaps most prevalent in Asia.
Video posted to social media showed massive crowds gathered at the airport in Seoul, South Korea as the Los Angeles Dodgers slugger (and pitcher) arrived ahead of Opening Day next week.
Ohtani was also making his first public appearance with his wife, who has since been identified as Mamiko Tanaka.
With security surrounding him, Tanaka strolled through the airport as adorers screamed and cameras snapped. Tanaka walked a few paces behind him.
On Feb. 29, Ohtani disclosed via an Instagram post that he had married during the offseason but did not reveal his spouse’s name. The Dodgers posted a photo that included Tanaka, along with Dodgers teammate and fellow countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto, on Thursday. Japanese news outlets immediately recognized it was Tanaka, 27, a former basketball player.
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Ohtani and the Dodgers begin the 2024 season on March 20 against the San Diego Padres in MLB’s first-ever contests in South Korea. He signed a record 10-year, $700 million deal with the team last year.
