Shohei Ohtani: Walk up song| No Hitter| Daughter| News Today

Shohei Ohtani continues to fascinate the baseball world—not only for his dual talents as both an elite hitter and pitcher, but also for the intriguing personal stories and moments off the field. In recent months, fans have been curious about his walk-up song, his latest near no-hitter effort, and the arrival of his first daughter. Here’s a round-up of what’s new, what it means, and why it matters.

Who is Shohei Ohtani: A Quick Recap

• Shohei Ohtani is the Japanese two-way superstar currently playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

• Famous for excelling both on the mound and at the plate, he remains one of few players in MLB history who can consistently do both.

• In December 2023, Ohtani signed a historic 10-year deal with the Dodgers worth $700 million.

Walk-Up Song: What Ohtani Uses & Special Choices

Standard Walk-Up Song

• Ohtani’s regular walk-up song (as of most recent seasons) for the Dodgers is “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco. This is the track that plays when he comes up to bat in normal circumstances.

• It captures a message of perseverance—appropriate for a player who has overcome injuries and high expectations.

Special & One-Off Selections

• On certain nights, Ohtani has used different walk-up songs, especially for themed events. For example, during Women’s Night at Dodger Stadium in July 2024, his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, selected a Japanese anime track, “Il Vento d’Oro” from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind.

• More recently, there was buzz when his wife chose the theme from Sailor Moon, “Moonlight Densetsu,” for a game. That marked another example of fans getting to see a personal side of Ohtani via his music choices.

Why Walk-Up Songs Matter

• A walk-up song does more than just fill the silence: it sets the mood, builds energy, and connects the player with fans.

• In Ohtani’s case, the choice of his regular song and special event songs show both his personal tastes and his willingness to let family (his wife) influence something very visible.

The Near No-Hitter: Ohtani’s Latest Pitching Feat

What Happened

• On September 16, 2025, Ohtani delivered an impressive start vs. the Philadelphia Phillies, throwing five no-hit innings and doing so on just 68 pitches. He struck out five batters, walked only one (Bryce Harper) in the first inning. For those five innings, no hits.

• The Dodgers had intended beforehand to limit Ohtani to five innings in that start. That pitch limit was honored, so even though he had the no-hitter going, he was removed after five innings.

When the No-Hit Bid Ended

• Once Ohtani was out, the bullpen could not maintain the no-hit status: Justin Wrobleski relieved, and the no-hitter was lost early in his outing. The Phillies rallied later and won the game 9-6.

Significance & Reactions

• Fans and commentators expressed frustration the no-hit bid was halted by a planned removal rather than performance issues, especially as Ohtani was efficient and dominant.

• But there’s a broader strategy: Ohtani is a two-way player, meaning he hits and pitches. The Dodgers are balancing his workload carefully, especially ahead of the postseason, to protect his arm and ensure peak performance across both roles.

Shohei Ohtani’s Daughter: Personal Life & New Role as a Father

Announcement & Family

• On April 19, 2025, Ohtani and his wife Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional Japanese basketball player, welcomed their first child—a baby daughter.

• Ohtani took to Instagram to share a photo of the baby’s feet alongside the family’s dog (Decoy) and expressed gratitude to his wife, the Dodgers, fans, and medical professionals. Reuters+1

Baseball & Games Around the Birth

• Ahead of the child’s birth, Ohtani was placed on the paternity list, missing a few games. MLB rules allow players to be temporarily absent for birth of a child.

• His return to the Dodgers lineup came shortly after, and though he didn’t get a hit in that game, he had a walk in the eighth inning that helped produce the game’s winning run.

How Fatherhood May Impact Ohtani

• Emotionally and mentally, becoming a parent is a major life event. Ohtani himself admitted to being both “nervous yet super anxious” as a first-time father.

• Sleep, scheduling, and family responsibilities can impact training, focus, and rest, so many are watching closely to see how he balances baseball with fatherhood.

Recent News & Stats: What’s New in 2025

Performance Highlights

• Ohtani is having another strong season at the plate, including reaching 50 home runs in 2025. He also recorded those five no-hit innings in the same game vs. the Phillies.

• He also achieved a landmark: becoming just the sixth player in MLB history with consecutive 50-home-run seasons.

Legal & Off-Field Updates

• Ohtani is involved in a lawsuit regarding name, image, and likeness (NIL) misuse in a real estate venture in Hawaii. His legal team is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit.

Walk-Up Song vs. No-Hitter vs. Fatherhood: Intersections & What It All Means

These three threads—his music choices, his pitching exploits, and his new role as a father—paint a more complete picture of Shohei Ohtani as both athlete and person. Here’s how they intersect and what they reveal:

• Consistency & Identity: The regular walk-up song reflects his mindset—resilience and confidence. The special walk-ups chosen by his wife show connection with family and personal identity.

• Managing Pressure: Near no-hit performances and being pulled from them show a balancing act between ambition and health management—very relevant for a player with dual responsibilities (pitching + hitting).

• Life Off the Field: Becoming a father introduces a new dimension: priorities may shift, rest becomes more precious, and mental load increases. Yet Ohtani seems to approach it with gratitude and humility.

What to Watch Next

Fans and analysts should look closely at several areas in the coming weeks:

1. Postseason Usage: How the Dodgers deploy Ohtani in the playoffs—how many innings they let him pitch, whether they lean on him as a designated hitter, or use him in both roles.

2. Walk-Up Song Changes: Further special events may bring more unique song choices. So far, Mamiko has had influence. Could fans expect more collaboration or themed nights?

3. Physical Health & Durability: With heavy usage (bat and ball), Ohtani’s training, rest, and injury prevention will be critical. The strategy of limiting starts or innings may continue.

4. Family Balance: How fatherhood affects his schedule, performance, and outlook. Many athletes report new sources of motivation and, sometimes, new challenges.

Debunking Myths & Clearing Confusion

• Myth: Ohtani always uses anime music.
  Reality: Only on special occasions. His regular walk-up is “The Show Goes On.” Anime-themed songs have been special, often chosen for themed games or by his wife.

• Myth: Ohtani’s no-hit bid was lost because he was failing.
  Reality: He was removed by managerial decision due to innings / pitch limits, not because of ineffective pitching. He was dominant in that stretch.

• Myth: After becoming a father, players always underperform.
  Reality: While there may be adjustment curves, many athletes return strongly. Ohtani’s first return included a walk that contributed to a win. The emotional boost and responsibility sometimes helps performance.

Conclusion

Shohei Ohtani in 2025 remains one of baseball’s most compelling stories, blending elite performance, unique cultural touchpoints, and personal milestones. From his signature walk-up song “The Show Goes On,” to the emotional weight of fatherhood, to nearly completing a no-hitter earlier this week, he continues to defy expectations and inspire fans.

He is not merely hitting stats or headline moments; he is balancing roles—athlete, husband, father—with care. As the postseason looms, the baseball world will watch not just what Ohtani does on the field, but how he does it. His decisions around walk-ups, rest, pitching, and family may be as critical as his swings and strikeouts.