Los Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, known for his exceptional talent as both a pitcher and hitter, had a special guest at Wednesday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles. Ohtani’s beloved dog, Decoy, stole the show by delivering the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
The crowd of over 53,000 fans erupted in applause as Ohtani carried Decoy, who was sporting his own custom jersey, to the pitcher’s mound. The adorable Dutch Kooikerhondje waited for his owner’s signal before picking up the ball with his mouth and running it to Ohtani behind the plate. The heartwarming moment was captured by photographers and shared widely on social media.
Ohtani, who has been drawing comparisons to baseball legend Babe Ruth for his remarkable skills on the field, was all smiles as he received a high-five from Decoy and rewarded him with a treat. The bond between the player and his dog was evident as they shared a special moment in front of a cheering crowd.
“I think I was more nervous with the ceremonial pitch than Decoy,” Ohtani shared with reporters after the game. “I’m glad everything went well. It was a really special night for both of us.”
Training Decoy for the first pitch took Ohtani three weeks of dedicated practice. The pitcher-hitter expressed his gratitude for his furry companion’s cooperation and joked about buying him a special snack as a reward for his performance.
The historic moment of a canine delivering the ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball game marked a new chapter in Ohtani’s career. While the player continues to chase milestones on the field, Decoy’s debut as a pitcher’s best friend captured the hearts of fans and players alike.
Decoy’s Special Debut
Decoy, whose original name was Dekopin in Japanese, made his MLB debut last year when Ohtani announced the name change after receiving his second American League MVP title. Despite the initial difficulty in pronouncing Dekopin, Ohtani decided to give his dog an American name, thus Decoy was born.
The choice of the name Decoy holds a special significance for Ohtani, reflecting a playful side of their relationship. In Japan, “Dekopin” translates to “flicking someone’s forehead,” a common prank among schoolchildren. This playful nod to their bond showcases the lighthearted connection between Ohtani and his beloved pet.
Decoy’s appearance on the pitcher’s mound at Dodger Stadium marked a milestone not only for Ohtani but also for canine companions in the world of baseball. The well-trained dog’s poise and obedience impressed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who commended Decoy’s performance as a testament to Ohtani’s dedication to training.
“I was really impressed that that dog was already that trained,” Roberts remarked. “I guess if it’s Shohei’s dog, then nothing should be that surprising.” The seamless execution of the ceremonial first pitch highlighted the teamwork and bond between Ohtani and Decoy, showcasing a heartwarming moment for baseball fans.
A Summer of Canine Baseball Stars
Decoy’s star turn at Dodger Stadium comes in the midst of a summer filled with canine baseball celebrities. Last month, a 13-year-old dog named Layla retired from her bat retrieval duties after serving six years with the Philadelphia Phillies minor league team, the Clearwater Threshers.
Layla’s successor, Lucy May, made headlines recently when she went viral for taking an impromptu potty break during her first night on the job. The adorable mishap captured the hearts of fans and showcased the unpredictable nature of having furry friends as part of the baseball experience.
The presence of dogs in baseball has become a beloved tradition, with canines like Decoy, Layla, and Lucy May adding a touch of joy and companionship to the sport. As fans continue to celebrate these furry stars, their contributions to the game go beyond entertainment, fostering a sense of camaraderie and warmth among players and spectators alike.
In conclusion, Shohei Ohtani’s dog Decoy’s memorable debut as a pitcher at Dodger Stadium highlighted the special bond between player and pet. The heartwarming moment captured the essence of companionship and teamwork, showcasing a unique aspect of baseball that goes beyond the game itself. As canine baseball stars continue to shine in the spotlight, their presence adds a touch of joy and warmth to the sport, creating unforgettable moments for fans of all ages.