The Los Angeles Dodgers had their second and final Shohei Ohtani bobblehead giveaway of the season on Aug. 28, which also featured his dog Decoy, or Dekopin in Japanese.
The first 40,000 ticketed fans at Dodger Stadium received a bobblehead that features Ohtani in a home white uniform holding Decoy. The Dodgers also surprised random fans by giving them a limited edition gold version of the bobblehead.
Fan interest in the bobblehead amounted to hundreds lining up outside Dodger Stadium early in the morning and led to gates being opened earlier than normal.
Ohtani and Decoy later paired for the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers’ matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.
Decoy waited for a command from Ohtani and then picked up the baseball to deliver it down the middle. “It’s a really special night. I hope to buy some special snack for him,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton after the game.
Ohtani revealed that he trained Decoy ahead of their big night. “Two or three weeks, and we even did a dry run here at the stadium,” Ohtani explained. “We just kind of did it as a fun exercise.”
Ohtani went on to provide fireworks at the plate as he hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning that gave him 42 on the season. He finished 2-for-4 with three runs scored and two stolen bases in the Dodgers’ 6-4 comeback win over the Orioles.
Who is Decoy Ohtani?
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.
Decoy became popular among baseball fans when he was seen with Ohtani for the announcement of the 2023 American League MVP Award on MLB Network last year.
Ohtani honored Decoy by including him on his customized cleats for MLB Players Weekend last month.
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