Shohei Ohtani’s wife and dog Decoy have hilarious reaction to MVP win
Shohei Ohtani, a star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, claimed his third MVP award on Thursday, but it was Decoy, the team’s adorable dog, who captured everyone’s hearts.
Ohtani concluded an incredible 2024 season with the Dodgers, making history as the first MLB player to achieve a season of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases while also winning his first World Series. He received the National League Most Valuable Player award on Thursday, with the announcement being made by veteran Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw during the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) Awards ceremony.
The broadcast switched to Ohtani sitting on the couch beside his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, a former pro basketball player whom he married in February, with their Kooikerhondje dog, Decoy, nestled between them.
When the award announcement was made, both Ohtani and Mamiko erupted in cheers, but Decoy seemed a little overwhelmed by the excitement. He promptly jumped off the couch and scurried out of view, much to the amusement of Ohtani and Mamiko.
Decoy has emerged as an unofficial mascot for the Dodgers this season. He even appeared on a bobblehead of Ohtani, showcasing the slugger holding him, and made headlines as the first dog to throw a first pitch on August 28. Decoy was also present at the Dodgers’ World Series parade and celebration earlier this month.
This MVP award is a significant achievement for Ohtani, as it is his first in the National League. Previously, he won two MVP awards while playing for the Los Angeles Angels in the American League. At 30 years old, Ohtani has now joined Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players to win the MVP in both leagues, following an incredible season where he hit 54 home runs and stole 59 bases, setting numerous personal bests.
Ohtani achieved a career-high batting average of .310 and led the National League in on-base percentage (.390), slugging percentage (.646), OPS (1.036), adjusted OPS (190), and RBIs (130). His 134 runs and 411 total bases also topped the major leagues and represented personal bests.
