Shohei Ohtani meets Cameron Brink. His wife, an ex-pro player, wants to meet Sparks rookie too
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Shohei Ohtani and Cameron Brink’s First Meeting, and Ohtani’s Wife Eager for Introduction
In a memorable moment at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink had the chance to meet baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani before throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Monday’s Dodgers game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. This meeting held special significance not only for Brink but also for Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player eager to meet the Sparks rookie.
Brink, alongside her teammate Rickea Jackson, both recently drafted by the Sparks, participated in the pregame festivities. Before the ceremonial pitch, Brink received some encouraging advice from Ohtani, who told her, “Just do it, you’ll be fine,” a moment captured live on DodgerVision.
A standout aspect of the meeting was the shared height between Brink and Ohtani, both listed at 6 foot 4. “Who’s taller, me or you?” Brink playfully asked, to which Ohtani replied with a laugh, “You!”
During the encounter, Ohtani mentioned that his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, who played in the Women’s Japan Basketball League from 2019 to 2023 and represented Japan at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championships, was eager to meet Brink. “I just think he’s great,” Brink commented to Spectrum SportsNet LA’s Kirsten Watson. “I know his wife played basketball, too, so I love them. I just love everything he stands for.”
As Brink and Jackson prepared for their ceremonial pitches, Brink was seen warming up, while Jackson initially joked about not needing a warm-up. Both eventually threw their pitches simultaneously, with Brink’s pitch landing perfectly in Dodgers outfielder Miguel Vargas’ glove. Jackson’s pitch, on the other hand, veered towards Vargas’ head, but Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller skillfully intercepted it.
The eventful evening for Brink and Jackson included meeting Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and other players, and delivering the late Vin Scully’s iconic phrase, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” before the game.
Brink and Jackson, who were drafted as the No. 2 and No. 4 overall picks respectively, are now focused on their basketball season. Brink, averaging seven points, five rebounds, and a team-high 3½ blocks per game, starts for the Sparks, while Jackson averages ten points off the bench. Despite the team’s 0-2 start, Brink remains positive about the attention and support they’ve received. “The attention has been overwhelming, and the love,” she shared. Jackson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing recognition for women’s basketball.
The Sparks will host the Washington Mystics next at Crypto.com Arena, as both teams seek their first win of the season.
This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.
