rewrite this title Shohei Ohtani Says He Is Decoy's Family, Not Owner

rewrite this title Shohei Ohtani Says He Is Decoy’s Family, Not Owner

February 6, 2026

in Baseball

Reading Time: 3 mins read

[ad_1]

rewrite this content and keep HTML tags

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani spoke about his relationship with his dog, Decoy, while promoting his new book.

Ohtani is the biggest star in baseball, transcending the typical bounds of an athlete and becoming an icon internationally.

Despite his unprecedented hitting statistics and pitching feats, Ohtani is a reserved character who keeps much of his life private.

However, he has recently revealed aspects of his personal life, including his wife and dog, Decoy, who has become a star in his own right.

Ohtani, in fact, released a book about Decoy titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day,” which is available at every major book retailer and came out on Feb. 3.

rewrite this title Shohei Ohtani Says He Is Decoy’s Family, Not Owner — Aug 28, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) with his dog Decoy after he delivered he first pitch before the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

While promoting his new book, Ohtani has been on a media tour, and his most recent stop was an interview with Access Hollywood, where he described how he views the dynamic between him and Decoy.

“I don’t look at Decoy like I’m his owner, he’s just we’re friends, me and Decoy are friends, we’re family,” Ohtani said about him.

What is Shohei Ohtani’s new book about?

Ohtani, Decoy, and author Michael Blank collaborated on “Decoy Saves Opening Day,” a children’s book that tells the story of a fictionalized Decoy.

“Decoy can’t wait to throw the first pitch on Opening Day of the new baseball season! The stadium has hot dogs, the biggest backyard he’s ever seen, and thousands of his best human friends,” the book’s description reads.

“It’s going to be the best day ever, but—oh, no!—Decoy forgot his lucky baseball at home! Can he get his ball and make it back to the stadium before it’s too late?

“Shohei Ohtani is the biggest name in baseball and a proud sponsor of animal rescue organizations. Shohei and Decoy hope to use the publication of DECOY SAVES OPENING DAY to support the work these amazing nonprofits do helping dogs find their forever homes.

“While their fictional counterparts are saving opening day, Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need.”

Will you be checking out the new book?