MLB Network will honor baseball star Shohei Ohtani with 'Shohei Day,' a full day of focused programming on January 7, 2026, starting at 9 a.m. ET. The event recognizes Ohtani's jersey number 17 through the date 1/7 and highlights his groundbreaking career achievements. Fans can access the content via MLB Network's platforms, including rebroadcasts of key games and special analyses.
MLB Network announced on January 5, 2026, plans for 'Shohei Day,' a network-wide tribute to Shohei Ohtani, set for Wednesday, January 7, beginning at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT. The date selection nods to Ohtani's iconic No. 17 jersey, which he has worn since his Major League debut in 2018. This celebration underscores Ohtani's role as a transformative figure in baseball, excelling as both an elite pitcher and hitter, a rarity in modern sports.
Ohtani, a two-time World Series champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has earned four unanimous Most Valuable Player Awards and four Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year honors. The programming lineup features rebroadcasts of standout performances, including his September 19, 2024, game where he became the first player to achieve the 50/50 club milestone—50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season—airing at 3 p.m. ET. Another highlight is Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series on October 17, 2025, broadcast at 9 p.m. ET, during which Ohtani recorded 10 strikeouts while going 3-for-3 with three home runs.
Studio shows integrate Ohtani-centric content: Hot Stove at 10 a.m. ET includes 'Greg’s List,' hosted by Greg Amsinger, spotlighting career moments, and an in-depth breakdown by Chris Young on Ohtani's evolution. MLB Tonight at 5 p.m. ET offers further analysis. The day culminates with the two-hour original special 'Best of Shohei' at 7 p.m. ET, featuring extended sequences from memorable games for an immersive experience.
Additional segments appear in The Leadoff Spot at 9 a.m. ET and MLB Network Countdown: 2025 Postseason Performers at 2 p.m. ET. All content streams on MLB.TV and the MLB App. This event not only recaps Ohtani's accomplishments but also reflects his global influence on the sport.
