Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to be the best team in the MLB during the 2025 season, finishing the year with a 4-3 World Series win over Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Dodgers have now become the first back-to-back World Series champions since the New York Yankees won three straight from 1998 to 2000.
Ohtani had another impressive season in his second year with the Dodgers, recording 172 hits in 611 at-bats, a career-high 55 home runs and 102 RBIs. In 14 appearances on the mound, the Japanese superstar went 1-1 with a 2.87 ERA, striking out 62 while allowing just 15 runs.
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Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates after defeating the Toronto Blue Jays in game seven of the 2025 MLB World SeriesJohn E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
(John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images)
For his performance in 2025, Ohtani was honored with the NL MVP award, marking his third-straight MVP season. And on Saturday, the MLB hosted the 101st New York Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) Awards Gala, where each major award was presented.
In attendance with Ohtani was his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player in Japan. The couple married in February 2024 and announced the news a few weeks later on Instagram. And in April of last year, Ohtani and Tanaka welcomed their first daughter to the world.
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At Saturday’s awards, Tanaka was notably wearing a navy blue, one-shoulder gown, pairing it with black open-toe heels, earrings and a bracelet. The couple’s dog, Decoy, was also in New York City, given the Most Valuable Dog award.
MLB and Dodgers fans took notice of Tanaka’s rare public appearance, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.
“I forgot because Ohtani is so huge, but Tamiko-san is a former athlete too, so she’s pretty tall, lol,” one fan said.
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“The Ohtani couple has a perfect height difference and is wonderful💟,” added another.
“They look good together,” wrote a third.
“Family goals & hardware goals in one frame 🔥 Ohtani carrying both the trophy and the legacy🇯🇵,” posted a fourth.
“Mamiko-san’s appearance in a dress is so beautiful that it takes my breath away…” commented a fifth.
“Ohtani and Mamiko, this combo is totally unbeatable, right?” added a sixth.
Related: MLB Announces Shohei Ohtani Honor After 2nd Season With Dodgers
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.