Shohei Ohtani hits home run after welcoming second child

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mami, announced the birth of their second child in June 2026. Ohtani missed the game that day to attend the birth, then returned to the lineup the next night against the Baltimore Orioles. In the ninth inning he hit his 16th home run of the season, a solo shot that sparked a brief comeback, though the Dodgers ultimately lost 3‑2. After the game, manager Dave Roberts said he "congratulated him and wished him and Mami‑chan the best."

The home run generated mixed reactions on social media and in U.S. sports media. While many fans praised Ohtani’s quick return and performance, some criticized the coverage that framed his role in the birth as a personal achievement, noting that the physical act of childbirth is the partner’s contribution. The debate highlighted broader conversations about gender expectations and the media’s portrayal of athlete‑parents.