Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani wrote a children’s book inspired by his beloved dog, Decoy, and it’s set to release Tuesday, February 3.
The story follows Decoy as he prepares to throw the first pitch on Opening Day, but forgot his baseball at home. The book’s cover features a picture of Ohtani and Decoy.
Decoy Saves Opening Day: Details
Here’s a description on the book from Harper Collins publisher: “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. 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?”
The website adds: “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.”
Shohei Ohtani 2026 Outlook
Ohtani can seemingly do it all as he is not only a four-time MVP, but can also add author to his resume. Since joining the Dodgers, Ohtani has been nothing short of spectacular in his first two seasons.
In 2024, Ohtani was the Dodgers’ exclusive designated hitter as he recovered from surgery that repaired a torn UCL. He had one of the most dominant offensive seasons ever as he set career-highs in home runs, hits, runs scored, runs batted in, doubles, and stolen bases.
Ohtani also invented the 50 home run, 50 stolen base club as he ended the 2024 campaign with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.
In 2025, Ohtani made his pitching debut with the Dodgers in June. Tickets skyrocketed for the matchup when the Dodgers announced he would serve as the team’s opener against the San Diego Padres.
Both 2024 and 2025 resulted in World Series titles and unanimous MVP awards.
As for what’s in store for 2026, Ohtani is set to have his first full two-way season with the Dodgers.
