Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani may have won his third MVP award on Thursday, but Decoy, the Dodgers’ most valuable pup, stole the show.
Ohtani capped off his historic 2024 season with the Dodgers — where he became the first player in MLB history with a 50-homer, 50-steal season before winning his first World Series title — with the National League Most Valuable Player award on Thursday. Dodgers veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw delivered the news to his teammate during the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) Awards.
The broadcast cut to Ohtani sitting on the couch with his wife, former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, who he married in February. Sitting between the couple was their beloved Kooikerhondje pup, Decoy.
Ohtani and Mamiko clapped and applauded, but the celebration appeared to be too much for Decoy. He quickly jumped off the couch and darted out of the frame to the surprise of both Ohtani and Mamiko.
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Decoy has become the Dodgers’ unofficial mascot this season. He was featured in Ohtani’s bobblehead, which depicted the slugger holding Decoy, and he became the first dog to throw out a first pitch on Aug. 28. Decoy was on hand for the Dodgers’ World Series parade and celebration ceremony earlier this month.
Ohtani’s third MVP award marks his first in the National League. He won two with the Los Angeles Angels in the American League before joining the Dodgers this season. Ohtani, 30, joins Hall of Famer Frank Robinson as the only players to win MVPs in both leagues after his 54-homer, 59-steal season smashed almost all his career highs.
He batted a career-best .310 and led the NL in on-base percentage (.390), slugging (.646), OPS (1.036), adjusted OPS (190) and RBI (130). His 134 runs scored and 411 total bases led the major leagues and were career highs.
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