Shohei Ohtani may have dominated the Tokyo Series, but his sweetest victory happened off the field. After leading the Dodgers to a sweep over the Cubs, Ohtani returned home to an eagerly waiting fan, his loyal dog, Decoy.
The heartwarming reunion quickly became the talk of social media, proving once again that the bond between a man and his dog is something truly special.
A reunion filled with pure joy
After days away in Japan, Ohtani shared a glimpse of his emotional homecoming with Decoy, posting an adorable moment on his Instagram story. The Kooikerhondje, who has been by Ohtani’s side through his journey in Major League Baseball, greeted his owner with an explosion of excitement, melting hearts across the internet. Fans couldn’t get enough of Decoy’s expressive eyes and joyful reaction, sparking an outpouring of love online.
Decoy first captured the attention of baseball fans when Ohtani won his second AL MVP Award in 2023. At the time, the Japanese star explained that his dog’s original name was Dekopin, but he introduced him as Decoy in the U.S. to make pronunciation easier.
Since then, Decoy has become a beloved part of Ohtani’s story, even earning his own special night at Dodger Stadium, where he was honored with a bobblehead and even a ceremonial first pitch.
The real MVP of Ohtani’s life
While Ohtani’s performances on the field continue to amaze, Decoy has quietly built a fanbase of his own. With his charming presence and unwavering loyalty, he’s become more than just a pet-he’s a star in his own right. Even the Dodgers have embraced him, playfully issuing him a U.S. visa with the passport number “000MVPUP000.“
The special bond between Ohtani and Decoy reminds fans that even the biggest sports icons cherish the simple moments of love and companionship. After a grueling series,
Ohtani’s biggest reward wasn’t a trophy or a headline-it was the warm welcome from his best friend. And as fans continue to celebrate their favorite two-way star, one thing is clear: Decoy might just be the most popular dog in baseball.
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