Shohei Ohtani is on a roll, and so is his dog! The Dodgers’ ace and slugger is making a serious push toward the jaw-dropping milestone of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. With the team holding firm in first place in the National League West, it’s shaping up to be the ‘stinging September’ Ohtani had dreamed of. But it’s not all about the big plays and the stats. Behind the scenes, Ohtani’s loyal dog, Decoy, has been his secret weapon.  

This adorable pooch isn’t just capturing hearts around the world with his cuteness; he’s also been a quiet source of support for Ohtani. And the excitement doesn’t stop there. Rumor has it that Decoy might even have a major role to play at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics! Since Decoy made his first pitch in front of thousands of fans, the furry sidekick is garnering a lot of fans of his own. With Ohtani’s star power and Decoy’s charm, the future is looking incredibly bright and full of potential. 

Shohei Ohtani and his furry sidekick

Last game when Shohei Ohtani faced off against his former team, the Angels, at Angel Stadium on the 3rd, it was nothing short of a heartwarming spectacle. Even though Ohtani now plays for the Dodgers, the crowd gave him an incredible welcome. As he stepped up to bat in the first inning, the entire stadium erupted in cheers. fans were on their feet and a giant screen in the outfield flashed ‘Welcome Back SHOHEI OHTANI’ alongside an enthusiastic ‘MVP call.’ Now, it’s his dog, Decoy, that has been attracting as much attention as Ohtani. On August 28th, during the team’s home game against the Orioles, Ohtani served as the catcher and also ceremonially threw Decoy’s first pitch. 

The Dodgers not only pulled off a memorable first pitch ceremony but are also clearly planning big things for Ohtani—and his beloved dog, Decoy. There’s buzz that Decoy might even have a starring role in a new “image character” for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Imagine the Olympics featuring Ohtani’s electrifying presence and Decoy’s irresistible charm—talk about a winning combo! The future looks incredibly bright and exciting for both Ohtani and his four-legged sidekick. MLB insiders are buzzing with exciting news about the Dodgers and their involvement in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics! With team owner Mark Walter playing a key role on the Olympics bid committee, it’s no surprise the Dodgers are diving headfirst into this opportunity to showcase LA and their own brand on a global stage.

But here’s where it gets even more thrilling: According to an article by Tokyo Sports Web, an official said, “In addition, DECOY, who suddenly became a superstar, appears in the video with the message ‘LOVE & PEACE,’ and the LA Games in four years’ time will be the ‘Symbol of Peace’ Olympics, in keeping with the Olympic spirit. A concrete plan to make an impression on the world is rapidly emerging. The idea is that Decoy will become the Dodgers’ official Olympic mascot.” The Dodgers are set to take things up a notch by creating a PR movie to spotlight both LA and the Dodgers, blending sports and city pride into a captivating film. But people may ask, why Decoy?

The evergrowing fandom of Decoy

The video of Decoy’s ceremonial first pitch captivated the fans gathered at Dodger Stadium and also garnered a ton of popularity, quickly surpassing 5 million views in just under 20 hours. The same clip, uploaded by MLB‘s official website on YouTube, has garnered more than 360,000 views in the six days since its release. In other words, an unprecedented ‘Decoy fever’ is sweeping the world, triggered by the excitement of baseball fans in Japan and the United States. Decoy, dressed in his very own Dodgers uniform, waited on the pitcher’s mound while Ohtani took his position at home plate. Grabbing the ball in his mouth and sprinting over to Ohtani, he set off a roar of applause from the crowd. After delivering the ball, Decoy capped off the performance with a high-five to his owner, his paws tapping Ohtani’s hand in a joyful celebration.

The energy in the stadium was electric, with fans flocking to the sold-out game not only to catch the Dodgers in action but also to get their hands on the latest Ohtani bobblehead. This special edition featured Ohtani holding his beloved pup, making it a must-have collector’s item. Just two days after the Dodgers’ giveaway, those coveted Ohtani bobblehead dolls are already flying off the shelves online, with prices soaring into the hundreds of dollars! It’s no surprise, given the heartwarming moment they captured on the field—this bobblehead isn’t just a keepsake; it’s a slice of Dodgers history and now, a part of Decoy’s legacy. 

Dodger Stadium, the iconic home of the Dodgers, is already being eyed as a prime venue for baseball during the Los Angeles Olympics. It’s a natural fit, given the stadium’s storied history and the Dodgers’ deep roots in the city. The big question, though, is whether MLB players, including the legendary Shohei Ohtani, will be allowed to participate in the Games. Imagine the buzz if MLB gives the green light and Ohtani takes the field alongside his superstar dog, Decoy. The combination of Ohtani’s extraordinary talent and Decoy’s growing global charm would create a massive impact. What’s your take on Decoy as a choice for the mascot? Share in the comments.