Who is Decoy? All about Shohei Ohtani’s dog known as the Dodgers’ most valuable pet

Shohei Ohtani, a two-way superstar who seems to make headlines every time he takes the field and is perhaps the most unique athlete in all of baseball, has cultivated a worldwide following. The focus on Ohtani has only intensified since coming to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but not just because of what he's doing on the field. Also deserving of some of that attention is Decoy, Ohtani's dog, who has quietly entered the modern baseball culture lexicon as one of the most recognizable and adored personalities of all.

Dubbed the Dodgers' "Most Valuable Pet" by fans, Decoy has been at Ohtani's side on the biggest of stages from award shows to stadium appearances. A man who could otherwise be undefined, detached from what has become suffocating enormity due simply to his coolness, facial expressions, and his continual appearance alongside the greatest player football has ever known, has become a representation of warmth in a world that has become defined by pressure and intensity.

How Decoy became part of Shohei Ohtani’s public story

Decoy, who was born on June 18, 2023, is a beautiful and intelligent Dutch Kooikerhondje with stunning orange-and-white fur, as well as a charming and friendly temperament. For his Japanese name, the dog is identified as “Dekopin,” a cute Japanese term, but for the rest of the world, he is “Decoy,” an international name that fans everywhere can remember and root for.

Decoy quickly developed a cult following that has continued to this day. Decoy was famously photographed sitting calmly beside Shohei Ohtani when the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player was announced, and the photo immediately went viral. In the moments after, the dog made frequent public appearances whenever Ohtani had a celebration, media opportunity, or Dodger-related moment.



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Decoy's most notable appearances included throwing a ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium, a no-brainer for fans and proof that the baseball world had fully adopted him as a treasured component. Also very hot were limited-edition bobbleheads of Decoy; fans arrived at the park early to get their hands on souvenirs commemorating baseball's most famous dog.

A cultural icon for the Dodgers and their fans

Decoy has a powerful impact that reaches far beyond the ballpark. Ohtani has even woven his dog into some of his storytelling projects, such as a children’s book featuring Decoy, inspired by the dog’s behavior and Ohtani’s love for baseball. Incorporating a little bit of fantasy into the story, with Decoy running to save Opening Day after misplacing his lucky ball, but also finding the connection between a player and his pet in reality.

Social Media has only added to Decoy's mystique, with fans frequently posting photos of the dog at parades, team activities, and even privately out of uniform. These glimpses show a more human Ohtani, a superstar perceived at times as nearly mythical in talent, with a soft side.

Also Read: Joe Kelly’s wife Ashley relives Shohei Ohtani’s $100K Porsche gift after MLB brings back the moment

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