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Shohei Ohtani Reveals His Dog’s Name At Dodger Stadium, And The Internet Goes Wild

By  Makenna Sievertson
Published Dec 15, 2023 11:58 AM
A man with medium-length black hair in a gray sweater and black pants is hugging a brown and white dog. The man is holding the dog's paw up to look like it's waving at the camera.
Shohei Ohtani and his dog posted by @MLB on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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@MLB on X, formerly known as Twitter.
)

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When MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani made his debut at Dodger Stadium on Thursday, reporters had very pressing questions for him — including the name of his dog.

Kyle Kraska with Fox LA said ever since last month’s Most Valuable Player award presentation, the whole world has wanted to know.

“There’s been speculation that it’s Dodger, there’s been speculation that it’s Walker,” Kraska said. “Could you please reveal to everyone in the world today — what is the name of your dog?”

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Ohtani smiled and laughed as his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, relayed the question.

The dog’s name is Decoy.

Well, it’s actually Dekopin, but Ohtani said he figured it would be hard for Americans to pronounce the Japanese name.

“He has an American name and it's Decoy,” Ohtani said through his interpreter. “You can call him Decoy or Dekopin.”

It turns out Decoy the dog has almost as big of an online fan base as his owner.

@MLB is onto something. Someone needs to get Aaron Judge on the phone.

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Thanks @Cut4, Decoy does look good in Dodger blue.

According to @VforVintageVera, we just weren’t good enough “Shobaes” to catch on earlier.

I agree @_kaylashoemaker, L.A. accepts the mission.

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@WKCDOGS, did Ohtani go to Decoy’s MVP award presentation too?

Turns out Decoy was cheering his dad on from home while Ohtani was at Dodger Stadium (via @ShoheiOhtani on Instagram).

A brown and white dog looks up at the camera. A TV can be seen behind the dog with a man wearing a LA Dodgers jersey and baseball cap.
Shohei Ohtani shared this photo of Decoy on Instagram after Thursday's news conference at Dodger Stadium.
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Courtesy of @ShoheiOhtani on Instagram
)

If you’re wondering what Dekopin means, @teeejaybae has got you covered.

Some people like @jeremytache seem to think Decoy’s name goes a little deeper.

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Ohtani’s no stranger to making history, but Decoy goes down in @slangsonsports mind too.

Not sure if I can say the same @jayher17, but it does sound pretty close.

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