Shohei Ohtani’s Dog ‘Throws Out’ First Pitch At Dodgers Stadium

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player, wowed fans on Wednesday night at Dodger Stadium with his pet dog.

The Japanese baseball star started the evening by participating in the ceremonial first pitch alongside his dog, Decoy. In an unconventional twist, Ohtani crouched behind home plate while his Dutch Kooikerhondje, sporting a miniature Dodgers uniform, retrieved the ball from the mound and delivered it to his owner.

Ohtani later revealed that he had spent three weeks training Decoy for the event, which included a practice run at the stadium. The canine performer remained composed despite the packed house of over 53,000 spectators.

The pregame festivities were just the beginning of Ohtani’s memorable night. In his first at-bat against the Baltimore Orioles, he launched his 42nd home run of the season, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Ohtani finished the game with two hits, three runs scored and two stolen bases, showcasing the multi-faceted skills that have made him a fan favorite.

The game coincided with the Dodgers’ second Ohtani bobblehead giveaway of the season, featuring the player holding his beloved pet. The promotion drew massive crowds, traffic snarling roads around the stadium hours before the first pitch. Even Dodgers manager Dave Roberts found himself caught in the gridlock, eventually offering a ride to a stadium employee struggling up a hill.

“I’m just happy that I made it,” Roberts quipped before the game, acknowledging the overwhelming demand for the collectible.

The bobbleheads, limited to the first 40,000 fans, quickly found their way to online marketplaces. However, prices appeared more modest compared to Ohtani’s first bobblehead night in May.

Reflecting on the evening’s events, Ohtani admitted through an interpreter that he felt more nervous about the ceremonial pitch than his canine companion. “I’m glad everything went well,” he said, summing up a night that perfectly encapsulated his unique appeal on and off the field.

Ohtani has been in the news lately after it was uncovered that his interpreter had been betting on MLB games.