When you think of Major League Baseball’s most dominant star, Shohei Ohtani probably tops the list. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way phenom just collected his fourth MVP award, unanimously, no less, and helped lead his team to a second straight World Series title. But as it turns out, he’s not the only MVP in his household.
A Dog with Star Power
In a heartwarming twist that lit up the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) Awards Dinner in New York this weekend, Ohtani’s dog, Decoy, earned some hardware of his own: National League Most Valuable Dog.
The kooikerhondje, an uncommon Dutch spaniel breed, has become something of a celebrity in its own right. From bobblehead features to ceremonial first pitches, Decoy has been there every step of the way during Ohtani’s meteoric MLB rise. And now, he’s been formally recognized for his contributions to baseball’s cultural zeitgeist.
Dodger Dog with a Championship Résumé
Ohtani, ever the proud dog dad, posed with Decoy and his new plaque, a comically adorable image that instantly went viral. A separate photo of the pup in a bowtie, sitting nobly next to the award, added a fresh dose of charm to a night already brimming with Ohtani headlines.
Decoy has become a fixture in the Dodgers’ universe. He joined the team’s World Series celebrations twice. He sat in the front row on the championship parade bus and threw out the ceremonial first pitch in front of a roaring Dodger Stadium crowd in 2024. He even snagged a novelty “visa” at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. In a franchise filled with legends, Decoy has carved out a legacy all his own.
The Viral MVP Moment That Melted the Internet
Let’s not forget the scene that may have cemented Decoy’s MVP status: November’s award announcement, when Shohei Ohtani, seated next to his wife Mamiko Tanaka and their dog, turned to hug her, but kissed Decoy first. “Ohtani hugging his wife while kissing his dog,” one X user quipped, “lol.”
While Shohei Ohtani prepares for another dominant season, his ninth, with stats that are already Hall of Fame worthy, Decoy remains a fan-favorite and unofficial mascot. In this household, greatness apparently comes in pairs: one swings the bat, the other steals the show.
