Shohei’s pup, Decoy, stole the show with the first pitch… and then Shohei Ohtani followed with a homer!
Since introducing Decoy to the world while accepting his second MVP award last November, Shohei Ohtani has made his dog a star in his own right.
Ohtani’s love for his four-legged friend has been anything but low-key: from getting Decoy a fake passport to featuring his image inside his All-Star Game suit and sporting custom Decoy-themed cleats during Players Weekend.
In the latest display of affection, Shohei Ohtani brought Decoy to the stadium on his own bobblehead night. And how did Ohtani pay tribute on his pup’s big night? By hitting a home run in his first at-bat during the Dodgers’ 6-4 victory over the Orioles—his 42nd homer of the season. Ohtani also added a single and stole two bases, bringing his stolen base total to 42 as well.
With 42 home runs and 42 stolen bases, Ohtani is on pace to become the first player to achieve a 50-50 season. The only other player to record a 42-42 season was Alex Rodriguez, who hit 42 homers and stole 46 bases in 1998.
Shohei Ohtani’s Gifts to Fans
Before the game, Dodgers fans lined up early outside Dodger Stadium to get their hands on a “Shohei and Decoy” bobblehead. Ohtani’s solo bobblehead night back in June drew 53,527 fans, and this past Wednesday was no different. The turnout was so massive that even manager Dave Roberts had trouble getting into the park.
“I’m just glad I made it,” Roberts joked. “It’s amazing. I don’t know if it was Shohei, Decoy, or both, but the demand for this bobblehead was huge. It took forever to get into Dodger Stadium. The line was massive. If you’re planning to come, you better already be on your way.“
The Dodgers also offered a limited edition golden version of the bobblehead. Naturally, one was reserved for Ohtani, which he received upon arriving at the stadium on Wednesday.
“I was surprised too when I arrived with my family,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton when asked about the long lines outside the stadium. “I really wasn’t aware of the situation. I thought it was for another special event.”
Shohei Ohtani posed for a picture, holding the bobblehead in one hand and his real-life pup in the other, with Decoy gazing curiously while resting in his owner’s arms.
The pup of the hour also made his first on-field appearance, throwing out the first pitch before the game against the Orioles. Decoy fetched the ball from the mound and delivered a perfect “strike” to Ohtani. “It was a really special night,” Ohtani said. “I’m planning to treat him to a special snack.”
