Move over, Shohei!
The true breakout sensation of the Dodgers season has four legs and a wagging tail. Meet Decoy, the dog has has captured the hearts of Dodger fans and earned the title of "Most Valuable Pet". He's even got exclusive merch and his own special visa, a level of fame Ohtani could only dream of for his four legged companion.
But the sweetest moment? Detroit Tigers pitcher Kenta Maeda, a former Dodgers star, has sent Decoy and his dad a thoughtful gift: a customized t-shirt featuring a hand drawn sketch of Ohtani and Decoy shaking hands, signed with a personal note: "To Shohei and Decoy, have a great season!". It's hard not to smile at this adorable gesture, as Ohtani and Decoy continue to make headlines for all the right reasons.
And while Decoy's puppy glory continues to unfold, Ohtani is in the middle of creating history of his own. He'll stand out even more in 2025, marking his return to pitching after recovering from elbow surgery. As part of MLB's initiative to honor top award holders, Ohtani and five other elite players will sport a gold MLB "logoman" patch - an upgrade from the traditional red, white, and blue. Why gold? It's a nod to Ohtani's 2024 NL MVP title, cementing his place among baseball royalty. Alongside him, Aaron Judge, Chris Sale, Tarik Skubal, Paul Skenes, and Luis Gil will also sport the golden patch, making their jerseys even more coveted by collectors.
As Ohtani continues to redefine baseball both on and off the field, there's no telling how high his value will soar. And his loyal companion Decoy will be there for it all, cheering his owner on from the front row!
