Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese baseball star, has become a household name in recent years despite being involved in a scandal related to allegations of theft against a former interpreter. Now 29, Ohtani began his baseball journey in Mizusawa, Japan, where he excelled in the sport during his high school years. He started his professional career with Japan’s Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2013 before making the switch to Major League Baseball in 2018 by joining the Los Angeles Angels.
In December, Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking one of the highest-paying contracts in professional sports history. As a versatile player who both pitches and bats as a designated hitter, Ohtani’s remarkable performance earned him the title of the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 2021. During that same season, he achieved a unique feat by becoming the first player in American League or National League history to hit at least 45 home runs, steal 25 bases, and hit five triples in a single season.
In 2023, Ohtani made history once again by winning the MVP award for the second time, making him the first player ever to unanimously receive the American League MVP award twice. His success on the field has not only set records but has also led to lucrative advertising deals. Ohtani has over a dozen partnerships worldwide, earning an estimated $35 million annually in endorsement earnings with companies like Boss (formerly Hugo Boss), Fanatics, and Seiko Watch, according to Forbes. Despite recovering from elbow surgery and currently taking some time off from playing baseball
