Shohei Ohtani’s return to Japan for the MLB Tokyo Series was bound to be special. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar took the field in front of a home-country crowd, marking the first time Major League Baseballhad played in Japan since 2019. The game itself had plenty of big moments, but Ohtani added a personal touch that got everyone talking-his cleats.
The specially designed New Balance kicks featured none other than his beloved dog, Decoy. Stitched into the heel and painted onto the sole, the pup’s image was hard to miss. Decoy has been a rising star in his own right, having previously “thrown” the first pitch at a Dodgers game. Now, he’s immortalized on his owner’s game-day gear.
A strong showing on the field
While the cleats were a hit, Ohtani’s bat also did plenty of work. He went 2-for-5 in the Dodgers’ 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs, including a 107.4 mph line drive that helped spark an important rally. The Cubs managed to keep him in the park, but they couldn’t keep him quiet.
The game also made history with an all-Japanese Opening Day pitching matchup between the Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto and the Cubs’ Shota Imanaga. Yamamoto put up a solid outing, allowing just one run over five innings, while Imanaga kept things close on the other side.
MLB’s biggest star continues to elevate the game
Off the field, Ohtani’s presence in Japan is bigger than ever. His record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers has already sparked conversations across sports, with even NFL players like Travis Kelce weighing in. His return to Tokyo not only boosted MLB’s international presence but also drew huge local support, with Japanese brands and fans rallying behind their homegrown icon.
Adding to the spectacle, the pregame ceremony featured a performance from renowned composer Yoshiki, who delivered moving renditions of both the Japanese and American national anthems, setting the stage for a game that blended baseball with culture.
The Tokyo Series wraps up with Cubs ace Justin Steele facing off against Roki Sasaki, another Japanese sensation making his highly anticipated MLB debut. Whether or not Ohtani has another tribute planned, one thing’s for sure-Decoy’s star power isn’t fading anytime soon.
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