Shohei Ohtani’s Real-Life Dog Decoy Stars in His New Children’s Book—And Fans Are Obsessed
Shohei Ohtani is known worldwide for doing what almost no one else in baseball can: dominating as both a pitcher and a hitter. But in 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar is stepping into a completely different spotlight—children’s books—alongside a co-star many fans already recognize.
That co-star is Decoy, Ohtani’s real-life dog, who now takes center stage in a brand-new picture book: Decoy Saves Opening Day, releasing February 3, 2026.
A Sweet Story Inspired by a Real Dog
In the book—written by Shohei Ohtani and Michael Blank, and illustrated by Fanny Liem—Decoy is thrilled for the biggest moment of the season: throwing out the first pitch on Opening Day. The stadium is full of hot dogs, cheering fans, and what Decoy sees as the biggest “backyard” he’s ever explored.
But there’s a problem.
Decoy accidentally leaves his lucky baseball at home—and suddenly the perfect day becomes a race against time. Can he get it back and return to the stadium before it’s too late?
It’s a fast, adorable storyline that captures everything dog lovers recognize instantly: excitement, loyalty, and that “I forgot something important!” panic… but in the cutest way possible.
Ohtani and Decoy Are Supporting Rescue Dogs Too
Beyond the fun fictional adventure, Decoy Saves Opening Day has a bigger heart behind it.
Ohtani and Decoy are using the book’s release to help support animal rescue organizations, shining a light on the work nonprofits do to give dogs a second chance and help them find forever homes. While Decoy may be saving Opening Day in the story, the real-life mission behind the book is centered on helping real dogs in need.
What Breed Is Decoy?
Decoy isn’t just any dog—he’s a Dutch Kooikerhondje, a breed that has fascinated fans since Ohtani first introduced him.
The Dutch Kooikerhondje is a sporting dog originally developed in the Netherlands. Historically, these dogs were used as duck decoy dogs, trained to lure waterfowl into traps by using playful movement and their signature feathered tail. The breed is known for being bright, eager to learn, and deeply bonded to their people, which helps explain why Decoy has become such a beloved companion—and such a natural star.
With their expressive faces, red-and-white coats, and upbeat personality, it’s easy to see why Decoy is stealing hearts far beyond the baseball world.
A Whole New Kind of “Opening Day”
Ohtani’s picture book debut is more than a celebrity project—it’s a story built on warmth, joy, and the kind of dog-human bond that feels instantly relatable. For fans, it’s another reminder that even the biggest sports icons can have the same soft spot as everyone else… especially when there’s a dog involved.
Decoy may be fictionalized on the page—but his charm, loyalty, and heart are very real.
And on February 3, 2026, the world gets to see that story—one pitch at a time.
