Shohei Ohtani’s dog Decoy gets his own award as Los Angeles Dodgers star keeps making history

Shohei Ohtani had a night he will never forget. On Saturday night in New York, the Los Angeles Dodgers star attended the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Awards Dinner, where he received the National League Most Valuable Player award. But Ohtani was not the only one in his home celebrating. His beloved dog, Decoy, also took home an award on the same night.

Decoy, a small kooikerhondje, was named National League Most Valuable Dog. The moment quickly caught attention across baseball. Ohtani proudly posed with Decoy and the plaque. He later shared photos of Decoy wearing a bowtie, sitting calmly next to his new honor. Fans loved it. The baseball world smiled with him.

Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy share the spotlight at the BBWAA Awards Dinner

Shohei Ohtani received his NL MVP award at the BBWAA dinner held in New York on Saturday. It marked another huge moment in his already historic career.

Ohtani, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become one of the most famous players in the world. But the surprise of the night came from his dog.

Decoy was officially named National League Most Valuable Dog, a fun but rare honor given by the baseball community.

Shohei Ohtani marked the moment by standing with Decoy and smiling for cameras. In another photo he posted, Decoy sat alone with the plaque resting beside him, wearing a tiny bowtie.

Fans quickly reacted online. One post on X read, “Ohtani hugging his wife while kissing his dog lol.” The comment spread fast, showing just how much people enjoy the special bond between the star and his pet.

Decoy has been with Ohtani through many big moments. When Ohtani won his previous MVP award, he hugged and kissed Decoy first in a now-viral video shown on MLB Network.

Shohei Ohtani was sitting on a couch with his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, when the news was announced. Decoy was right beside him.

Decoy has slowly become part of Dodgers culture. He was seen during the Dodgers’ World Series parade in November, riding on a double-decker bus as the team celebrated another championship. Fans along the streets cheered when they spotted him.



Back in 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Decoy even “threw” a ceremonial first pitch before a Dodgers vs. Orioles game in front of nearly 54,000 fans. He has also appeared on a Shohei Ohtani bobblehead, making him part of official team merchandise.

Decoy also traveled with Ohtani to Tokyo, where he received a large mock “visa” during a visit to the U.S. Embassy, another moment that went viral.

While Decoy enjoys his growing fame, Ohtani continues to dominate baseball. After returning to pitching following 2024 elbow surgery, he again starred as a two-way player.

He helped lead the Dodgers to another World Series title, while also posting a 2.87 ERA in 14 pitching appearances. At the plate, he finished among league leaders in runs and extra-base hits.

Because of that season, Ohtani earned all 30 MVP votes from the BBWAA. It was the fourth time in five years he swept the voting. Only Barry Bonds has won more MVP awards.






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