Shohei Ohtani and Canine Companion Decoy Celebrate Dual MVP Honors in New York
Baseball history witnessed a heartwarming double celebration on Saturday night in New York City, where Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani attended the prestigious Baseball Writers' Association of America Awards Dinner. The event, held at a grand venue in Manhattan, saw Ohtani formally receive the National League Most Valuable Player award, cementing another remarkable achievement in his already legendary career.
An Unforgettable Evening for Ohtani and His Beloved Pet
While Ohtani's MVP recognition was widely anticipated, the evening's most delightful surprise came from an unexpected source. The baseball star's cherished dog, Decoy, a small kooikerhondje breed, was officially honored as the National League Most Valuable Dog during the same ceremony. This unique recognition, though lighthearted, represents a rare tribute from the baseball community to a player's loyal companion.
The emotional moment quickly captured attention across the baseball world, with Ohtani proudly posing alongside Decoy and the commemorative plaque. In photographs shared later, Decoy appeared sitting calmly beside his new honor while wearing a miniature bowtie, creating an image that melted hearts across social media platforms.
Decoy's Growing Role in Dodgers Culture and Beyond
Decoy has gradually become an integral part of Dodgers culture and Ohtani's public persona. The canine companion has shared numerous significant moments with the baseball star, including:
- Appearing during the Dodgers' World Series victory parade in November, riding on a double-decker bus as thousands of fans cheered
- "Throwing" a ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles before a Dodgers vs. Orioles game in 2024, witnessed by nearly 54,000 spectators
- Traveling with Ohtani to Tokyo, where he received a mock "visa" during a visit to the U.S. Embassy
- Being featured on official Shohei Ohtani bobblehead merchandise
The bond between Ohtani and Decoy has become particularly visible during award celebrations. When Ohtani previously won an MVP award, a viral video showed him hugging and kissing Decoy first before celebrating with anyone else. During this latest award announcement, Ohtani was sitting on a couch with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, with Decoy positioned right beside them.
Ohtani's Continued Baseball Dominance
While Decoy enjoys his growing fame, Ohtani continues to demonstrate why he's considered one of baseball's greatest talents. Following successful recovery from 2024 elbow surgery, the two-way player returned to pitching while maintaining his offensive excellence. His remarkable season included:
- Posting a 2.87 ERA across 14 pitching appearances
- Finishing among league leaders in runs scored and extra-base hits
- Helping lead the Dodgers to another World Series championship
This outstanding performance earned Ohtani a unanimous MVP selection, receiving all 30 first-place votes from BBWAA members. This marked the fourth time in five years that he achieved a clean sweep of MVP voting, placing him in elite company with only Barry Bonds having won more MVP awards in baseball history.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
The dual recognition for Ohtani and Decoy generated enthusiastic responses from baseball enthusiasts worldwide. Social media platforms buzzed with appreciation for the special bond between the athlete and his pet. One particularly popular post on X read, "Ohtani hugging his wife while kissing his dog lol," which spread rapidly across platforms, highlighting how fans cherish these personal moments from their sports heroes.
The BBWAA Awards Dinner thus created a memorable chapter in baseball lore, celebrating both athletic excellence and the heartwarming relationship between a global sports icon and his faithful canine companion. As Ohtani continues to rewrite baseball records, Decoy's presence adds a uniquely personal dimension to the superstar's journey, reminding fans that even the greatest athletes find joy in simple companionship.
