Shohei Ohtani and His Dog Decoy Steal the Show at Dodger Stadium
Shohei Ohtani continues to dazzle on the baseball field, but this time, it wasn’t just his extraordinary talent that captured the spotlight. On a memorable Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani and his dog, Decoy, teamed up to deliver a performance that left the crowd in awe.
Ohtani, known for his incredible prowess as both a pitcher and a hitter, added a new dimension to his stardom by involving his canine companion in the pre-game ceremonies. As the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Baltimore Orioles, the audience was treated to a unique spectacle before the first pitch was even thrown. Decoy, Ohtani’s loyal dog, took center stage, proving that talent runs in the family.
With the stadium buzzing in anticipation, Ohtani carried Decoy to the mound. After receiving a signal, Decoy picked up the ceremonial first pitch with his mouth and trotted over to Ohtani, who was crouching behind home plate. The crowd of 53,290 erupted in cheers as the duo celebrated with a paw-to-hand high five, creating an unforgettable moment for everyone in attendance.
Reflecting on the event, Ohtani expressed his nervousness about the ceremonial pitch, joking that Decoy handled the pressure better than he did. “I think I was more nervous with the ceremonial pitch than Decoy,” Ohtani shared through his interpreter. “I’m glad everything went well. It’s a really special night. I hope to buy some special snacks for him.”
The special night also included a giveaway of 40,000 bobbleheads featuring Ohtani holding Decoy, with 2,000 of them in gold, making it a must-have collectible for fans. The anticipation for the event was so high that thousands of spectators waited for hours before the festivities began, and they were not disappointed.
On the field, Ohtani continued his historic season, hitting his 42nd home run and stealing his 42nd base. He is now on the brink of becoming the first-ever player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Just last week, Ohtani joined an elite group of players, including Alfonso Soriano, Jose Canseco, Ronald Acuña Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Barry Bonds, as a member of the prestigious 40-40 club, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest talents in baseball history.
Shohei Ohtani and Decoy’s performance at Dodger Stadium was more than just a pre-game stunt; it was a heartwarming display of the bond between a superstar athlete and his furry friend, adding yet another chapter to the legend of Ohtani’s remarkable career.
