October means Ohtani time again. The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves in the NLDS and open the National League Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers on 11 October 2026, chasing a third straight World Series. Shohei Ohtani's 2026 regular season was another two-way marvel: 30 home runs at the plate and an 8–2 record with a 1.79 ERA on the mound.
There has never been anyone quite like him, a superstar hitter and a front-line starting pitcher in the same body. Here is his story. Find his designs in our baseball collection.
Shohei Ohtani Fact File
| Full name | Shohei Ohtani |
| Date of birth | 5 July 1994 (age 32) |
| Place of birth | Mizusawa (now Ōshū), Iwate, Japan |
| Height | 6ft 4in (1.93m) |
| Position | Designated hitter and starting pitcher (bats left, throws right) |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Current team | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Shirt number | 17 |
| Nickname | Shotime |
Career History
| Years | Team | Key batting | Key pitching |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2017 | Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters | .284, 48 HR | 42–15, 2.52 ERA, 624 K |
| 2018–2023 | Los Angeles Angels | 46 HR in 2021, 44 in 2023 | 15–9, 2.33 ERA in 2022 |
| 2024– | Los Angeles Dodgers | 54 HR in 2024, 55 in 2025 | 8–2, 1.79 ERA in 2026 |
| MLB career (to end of 2026 regular season) | 310 HR, .281 | 47–22, 2.83 ERA, 765 K | |
Japan figures are NPB totals; MLB figures are regular-season numbers (HR = home runs, K = strikeouts).
The Two-Way Prodigy
Ohtani joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2013 and refused to choose between hitting and pitching. In 2016 he was named Pacific League MVP and helped the Fighters win the Japan Series. Across five seasons in Japan he hit 48 home runs and went 42–15 with a 2.52 ERA.
Show your colours with our Shohei Ohtani Badge Men's T-Shirt.
Shotime in Anaheim
Ohtani made his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Angels on 29 March 2018 and was named American League Rookie of the Year. In 2021 he hit 46 home runs while going 9–2 on the mound and won his first MVP, unanimously. He followed it with 15 wins and 219 strikeouts in 2022, and in 2023 he led Japan to the World Baseball Classic title as tournament MVP before winning a second unanimous AL MVP.
Relive the Angels years with our Shohei Ohtani Angels Design Baseball Icon Frame Men's Hoodie.
50–50 and Dodgers Dynasty
In December 2023 he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2024, while not pitching, he hit .310 with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, becoming the first player in history with 50 homers and 50 steals in a season. He won the NL MVP and the World Series. In 2025 he returned to the mound, hit a Dodgers-record 55 home runs, was named NLCS MVP and won a second World Series as the Dodgers beat Toronto in seven games, plus a third straight unanimous MVP.
Celebrate the Dodgers era with our Shohei Ohtani Dodgers Baseball Icon Frame Men's T-Shirt.
Chasing a Three-Peat
In 2026 Ohtani hit .275 with 30 homers and 81 RBI and posted the best ERA of his MLB career on the mound. He also starred at the 2026 World Baseball Classic, hitting .462 with three homers before Japan went out to Venezuela in the quarter-finals. Now the Dodgers' October run continues.
Honours
MLB
- World Series champion: 2024, 2025
- MVP: 4 (AL 2021, AL 2023, NL 2024, NL 2025)
- AL Rookie of the Year: 2018
- NLCS MVP: 2025
- All-Star: 6 times; Silver Slugger: 4 times; Hank Aaron Award: 3 times
Japan
- World Baseball Classic champion and MVP: 2023
- Japan Series champion and Pacific League MVP: 2016
Away From the Game
In 2023 Ohtani donated around 60,000 youth baseball gloves to elementary schools across Japan. He announced his marriage to former basketball player Mamiko Tanaka in 2024, and his dog Decoy threw out a ceremonial first pitch alongside him at a Dodgers game in August 2024.
FAQs
How old is Shohei Ohtani?
Shohei Ohtani was born on 5 July 1994, so he is 32.
Where was Shohei Ohtani born?
He was born in Mizusawa, now part of Ōshū, in Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
How tall is Shohei Ohtani?
Ohtani is 6ft 4in (1.93m).
What teams has Shohei Ohtani played for?
The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (2013–2017), the Los Angeles Angels (2018–2023) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (2024–present).
What is a 50-50 season?
Hitting at least 50 home runs and stealing at least 50 bases in one season. Ohtani was the first to do it, with 54 homers and 59 steals in 2024.
How many MVPs has Shohei Ohtani won?
Four: AL MVP in 2021 and 2023 with the Angels, and NL MVP in 2024 and 2025 with the Dodgers.
Shop the Shohei Ohtani Collection
Four made-to-order designs covering Ohtani's Angels and Dodgers years.
Browse the Los Angeles Dodgers collection, the Los Angeles Angels collection and our full baseball collection, or design your own custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: Babe Ruth Career Story and Patrick Mahomes Career Story.
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