Hundreds of Los Angeles Dodgers fans lined up outside Dodger Stadium on Wednesday morning in effort to guarantee themselves a bobblehead of Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy (Dekopin).
The Dodgers planned to distribute 40,000 Shohei Ohtani and Decoy bobbleheads to ticketed fans in attendance, and some would be surprised by receiving a limited-edition gold version at random.
Dodger Stadium parking lot gates opened early because of the rabid interest, and fans were also let into the ballpark early as well — at 4:30, or 40 minutes earlier than normal for a 7:10 p.m. PT first pitch.
“I’m just happy that I made it. It’s unbelievable. I don’t know if it was Shohei or Decoy or a combo, but man, there’s a high demand for these, this dang bobblehead,” manager Dave Roberts said before the game.
Decoy Ohtani throws out the first pitch to Shohei! pic.twitter.com/OjNBgwt0ag
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“It took me forever to get inside Dodger Stadium. There’s a long line, so if you plan on coming, you better have already left. No, you know what, Shohei has been great. I think that he’s having fun with all the success, promoting of him and his dog, and it’s great for the Dodgers. It’s fantastic.”
With a packed stadium, Decoy was given an opportunity in the spotlight as Ohtani carried him out the mound for the ceremonial first pitch.
Dekopin waited for a command from Ohtani, who went into a crouch behind home plate, and he then picked up the baseball to deliver it down the middle.
Ohtani then added onto the night with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning. He became just the eighth player since 1901 to hit 10 home runs and have at least 10 stolen bases in one month.
What kind of dog does Shohei Ohtani have?
Ohtani’s dog is a Dutch Kooikerhondje, which are considered lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert. The American Kennel Club also notes the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje breed is faithful, easy-going and friendly in the home.
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