Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Announces Children's Book Featuring His Dog Decoy in IG Photo

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani announced his new children’s book, Decoy Saves Opening Day, on Instagram. The story is centered around his dog, Decoy.

The Instagram post featured Ohtani’s dog alongside the new book, with videos of the pup swimming and playing, adding a personal and playful touch to the announcement.

The three-time MVP co-wrote the book with Michael Blank, and it appears to be loosely inspired by real-life events—most notably when Decoy "threw" out the first pitch to Ohtani last season and even earned his own bobblehead alongside the two-way star.

After the successful first pitch at Dodger Stadium—which took three weeks of training—Decoy was rewarded with a “special snack” for his efforts.

“It’s a really special night,” Ohtani said, per MLB.com's Juan Toribio. “I hope to buy some special snack for him.”

"Decoy can’t wait to throw the first pitch on Opening Day of the new baseball season!" The book teases per the Harper Collins Website. "The stadium has hot dogs, the biggest backyard he’s ever seen, and thousands of his best human friends. It’s going to be the best day ever, but—oh, no!—Decoy forgot his lucky baseball at home! Can he get his ball and make it back to the stadium before it’s too late?"

The book is set to hit shelves on Feb. 3, 2026.