Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is adding another title to his already impressive resume: children's book author! Ohtani is set to release "Decoy Saves Opening Day" on February 3, 2026, a heartwarming tale inspired by his beloved Kooikerhondje, Decoy Ohtani.
Decoy, who has become an unofficial mascot among Dodgers fans, frequently appears with Ohtani and has captured the hearts of many. The book, published by HarperCollins, is co-authored by Ohtani and Michael Blank, with delightful illustrations by Fanny Liem.
The story revolves around Decoy's big day: throwing the Opening Day pitch! However, a mishap occurs when Decoy realizes he's forgotten his lucky baseball at home. The book follows his exciting race against time to retrieve the ball and make it back to the stadium before it's too late.
The book is based on a real-life event from August 2024, where Decoy, sporting a #17 jersey, "threw" the first pitch at a Dodgers home game. He ran the ball from the pitcher's mound to Ohtani at home plate, marking him as the first dog to deliver the opening pitch. The Dodgers even won that game!
Ohtani shared a photo on Instagram of Decoy next to the book, further fueling the excitement. The game also featured a Shohei Ohtani bobblehead night, with fans eager to collect a limited-edition bobblehead featuring Ohtani and Decoy. Decoy also joined Ohtani during the Dodgers' World Series Parade in November 2024, celebrating their victory over the Yankees.
According to Harper Collins, Ohtani plans to donate the proceeds from "Decoy Saves Opening Day" to support animal rescue organizations, making this a truly feel-good story. Decoy's popularity soared after the announcement of Ohtani's 2023 American League MVP award, and he's been a fan favorite ever since.
Pre-orders for "Decoy Saves Opening Day" are available on Amazon and Bookshop.org. Don't miss out on this charming tale of friendship, teamwork, and the love between a superstar and his furry best friend!