Decoy (Dekopin)
After plenty of suspense, MLB star Shohei Ohtani revealed he named his dog Decoy (for his American fans) with his Japanese name being “Dekopin”. Up until the reveal, the most popular guess is the dog’s name is “Dodger,” after he signed his record-shattering $700 million contract with the L.A. Dodgers. The happy pup is a Kooikerhondje, which is a Dutch Breed. The American Kennel Society describes the Kooikerhondje as lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured, and alert (which also fittingly describes Ohtani). His dog went viral after Ohtani gave him a heart-warming high five after winning the 2023 AL MVP. In August 2024, Decoy threw the first pitch at a Dodgers-Orioles game.
Ace
Shohei Ohtani has been a dog lover since he was a young child. Ohtani had a pet golden retriever named Ace that he got when he was seven years old in November 2001. Ace passed away at 15 years old in 2017.
Shohei Ohtani
Birthday
July 5, 1994 (30)
Links (Tags)
Shohei Ohtani, aka “Shotime”, is a Japanese baseball player who has made a name for himself as both a pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball (MLB). Excelling in dual roles, Ohtani has shattered conventional norms in the world of baseball, challenging the limits of what an athlete can do in this sport. In December 2023, Ohtani signed a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In his career, Ohtani has played key roles both on the mound and at the plate, leading the league in various statistical categories. In his 2018 rookie season, Ohtani hit 22 home runs and recorded 63 RBIs while also maintaining a 3.31 ERA as a pitcher, making him the first player to accomplish such dual feats since Babe Ruth. His performance in the 2021 MLB season was particularly awe-inspiring, where he led the league in home runs and was also a starting pitcher in the All-Star game, effectively making him a one-man All-Star team.
Collaborations in the baseball world may not be as star-studded as Hollywood parties, but Ohtani has worked closely with some significant figures in the sport. Some notable names include Mike Trout, one of the best hitters in the game; Albert Pujols, a Hall of Famer; Joe Maddon, the team’s seasoned manager; Andrelton Simmons, a defensive wizard at shortstop; Justin Upton, a veteran outfielder; and Jared Walsh, an emerging talent. In terms of external influences, Ohtani has been mentored by his former Fighters’ manager Hideki Kuriyama, as well as Saturo Harada and Masato Yoshii who have had MLB experiences. Not to overlook his brief but impactful interactions with international stars like Ichiro Suzuki and Yu Darvish, who have paved the way for Japanese players in MLB.
When it comes to awards and distinctions, Ohtani was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2018. His performance in the 2021 season led to him being named the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP). Additionally, Ohtani was also the starting pitcher and leadoff batter for the American League in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game, a first in MLB history.
