Shohei Ohtani continues to make baseball history—and now he’s branching out into storytelling. The Los Angeles superstar has authored a children’s book titled Decoy Saves Opening Day, which stars his dog Decoy, a Dutch Koikerhondje who delivers the baseball to Ohtani behind home plate for the season opener. The book is set to be released on February 20th.
Throughout Ohtani’s MLB career since 2018, Decoy has become a familiar figure, appearing at numerous events including pre-game ceremonies, the World Series parade, and a live reaction video celebrating Ohtani’s MVP award.
In 2025, following his groundbreaking 50-50 season in 2024—where he hit 50 home runs and stole 50 bases in his rookie year—Ohtani earned his third straight MVP title. That season, he posted impressive stats with 55 home runs, 102 RBIs, 20 stolen bases, and a .282/.392/.622 batting line, leading the National League with 146 runs scored and a 179 OPS+. His WAR was an outstanding 6.6.
After returning from a UCL tear in August 2023, Ohtani pitched in 14 starts totaling 47 innings, recording a 2.87 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 145 ERA+, and 62 strikeouts. In the postseason, he continued to shine, hitting eight home runs with 14 RBIs over 17 games and maintaining a slash line of .265/.405/.691. On the mound, Ohtani threw 20.1 innings with a 4.43 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Notably, during Game 4 of the NL Championship Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, he delivered one of the greatest individual performances in MLB history—pitching six scoreless innings, hitting three home runs, and striking out 10 batters in a shutout win. The went on to secure back-to-back World Series titles, a feat not achieved since the New York Yankees’ three straight wins from 1998 to 2000.
Ohtani, a four-time Silver Slugger and four-time MVP, is also set to represent Japan again in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, having helped lead Team Japan to victory in 2023.
Fan Take: Shohei Ohtani’s latest venture into children’s literature highlights his growing influence beyond the diamond, inspiring fans of all ages. His continued dominance as a two-way player is reshaping what’s possible in baseball and thrilling fans around the world by pushing the sport to new heights.
