Shohei Ohtani's dog became quite famous after his name, Decoy, was revealed. He was featured in some offseason videos of the player, and fans immediately wanted to know more. Over the course of the season, Decoy became one of the most famous dogs in the world.
He became so famous that he even got a shoutout at the National Dog Show. A similar dog, one of the same breed as Decoy, was performing when the announcers mentioned Ohtani's pup.
The announcer said:
"The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, very famous in this country all of a sudden with Shohei Ohtani and his dog, Decoy. Shohei of course was the MVP for the National League. Decoy threw out the first pitch of a Dodgers game this year. It was beautiful and also was a big part of the parade for celebrating their World Championship."
The breed has surged in popularity since baseball's most popular player showed one off almost a year ago.
Shohei Ohtani's dog Decoy threw out a first pitch
Shohei Ohtani's dog was a big part of the 2024 MLB season. He was frequently seen with Ohtani, particularly in the big moments. When Ohtani was named NL MVP in unanimous fashion, Decoy was there. When the Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory over the New York Yankees, Decoy was in the parade.
Earlier in the year, the dog "threw out" the first pitch of a game between LA and the Baltimore Orioles. 40,000 fans in attendance also got a Decoy bobblehead to commemorate the occasion before the dog ran the ball to home plate where Ohtani was waiting.
Via the AP, he said at the time:
“I think I was more nervous with the ceremonial pitch than Decoy. I’m glad everything went well.”
It was such an event that even manager Dave Roberts had a hard time getting into the stadium:
“I’m just happy that I made it. It took me forever to get inside Dodger Stadium. I actually picked up one of the Dodger workers. She was laboring up the hill so I picked her up and gave her a little lift.”
After the opening festivities, Ohtani hit a leadoff home run, one of his 54 for the season, off of Corbin Burnes.