The love story of Shohei Ohtani is becoming the talk of the town. With attention at an all-time high, even the Seoul Series has become a part of their romance. The fact that this is the first time Mamiko Tanaka is accompanying Ohtani for a game has made this series important for the couple. So is it a surprise that the superstar decided to make this a memorable game for his wife?
In his Los Angeles Dodgers debut, not only did the two-way phenom get his first hit but also his first steal and RBI. Naturally, the camera kept panning towards Mamiko Tanaka who was seen celebrating her husband’s on-field performance. This constant attention reminded fans of a particular NFL player and his megastar girlfriend. And that got a mixed response from the fanbase.
Shohei Ohtani-Mamiko Tanaka add another chapter to their love story
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Ohtani’s debut couldn’t have gone any better. In the span of five at-bats, he almost did it all. The superstar hit a single, stole a base, earned an RBI, and then also made a big mistake. In the eighth inning, he forgot to tag second base on his way back to first and got doubled up. While that was a hilarious mistake, the rest of his on-field performance gave Mamiko Tanaka many reasons to celebrate.
Shohei Ohtani picks up his first hit as a Dodger and his wife loves it pic.twitter.com/cYNzGc7M3D
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 20, 2024
As can be seen, Tanaka’s happiness was quite infectious. She was constantly clapping and providing support to Ohtani. While initially she felt a little shy, Tanaka gradually opened up and laughed at all that transpired at the field. The fact that the couple is currently the biggest thing in baseball made it quite obvious why the camera kept panning at her.
However, fans quickly pointed out that it reminded them of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s situation. As one remembers, the Super Bowl was filled with shots of Swift celebrating and encouraging her partner. The shots became so common that it became a meme and a joke for many stand-up comedians.
“Kelce/Swift 2.0” baseball fans declare
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Though the baseball fans love Ohtani and his wife, the camera’s constant panning did catch them by surprise. As a result, there were mixed reactions with some fans loving the couple and some questioning the relevance of those camera shots.
“MY VERSION OF TRAVIS KELCE/TAYLOR SWIFT,” commented a fan. Then came a fan who wanted Ohtani’s wife to be given some privacy – “Can you leave his wife alone.” One fan wondered whether MLB was going in the wrong direction – “we now have kelce/swift 2.0 MLB is cooked.”
“She ain’t Taylor Swift so tone it down a little,” a disappointed fan said. However, one fan expressed how good it is for Ohtani to have such a supportive partner. “Everyone needs a supporting partner in moments like this. Rooting for you, champ.”
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So with Mamiko Tanaka already generating so much hype, does MLB have its own Taylor Swift? That’s a big question. While one wonders about that, it’s nice to see a private Ohtani enjoying the beauty of having love in his life.