Shohei Ohtani's Dad Admits Disbelief Over MLB History

Even Shohei Ohtani's dad, Toru Otani, didn't expect the Japanese superstar to have the season he's having with the Los Angeles Dodgers this 2024.

Shohei Ohtani recently made MLB history when he became the founding member of the 50/50 club. On September 19 against the Miami Marlins, the Dodgers star had one of the best hitting displays of his career, as he recorded three home runs along with two stolen bases en route to achieving 50 homers and 50 stolen bases for the season.

With Showtime leading the way, the Dodgers destroyed the Marlins 20-4 and secured a spot in the MLB postseason.

Toru Otani, for his part, admitted his surprise to see Ohtani reach the incredible mark. He knows how great his son is, but considering the fact that no player has recorded a 50/50 season before, he simply didn't see it coming .

"On September 19 against the Miami Marlins, you became the first player to put together a ‘50-50’ season in that game," Toru Otani wrote in an open letter, as reported by FOX 11. "Before the season opener, I didn't expect you to go this far.

"I thought '40-40' was great enough, but you just kept piling on. However, as you have said many times in press conferences, you care more about the team winning than setting individual records. Ever since you were a child, you never had fun if the team didn't win, even if you had a good game."

For what it's worth, Toru Otani gave a ton of credit to Shohei Ohtani's wife, Mamiko Tanaka, for the success that the Dodgers slugger is having. He noted that his son appeared to be more focused since getting married.

"This year, you reached a major milestone by marrying Mamiko, and I can tell you're now playing baseball with a greater sense of calmness," Toru Otani added.

He later said in his letter, "Without Mamiko, you would not be where you are today."

It remains to be seen what else Shohei Ohtani will be able to accomplish with the Dodgers, but as he enters his first postseason, he'll have the support of not only his wife but also his father and family.

Related: Shohei Ohtani's Dad Leaves No Doubt About His Opinion of Dodger Star's Wife