Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way baseball star, is expanding his creative endeavors by co-authoring a children‘s book centered on his dog, Decoy. On Thursday, Ohtani revealed the cover of Decoy Saves Opening Day, a story co-written with Michael Blank and illustrated by Fanny Liem.
Plot Summary and Release Details
The book‘s publisher, Harper Collins, shares that the plot follows Decoy’s efforts to recover his lucky baseball after accidentally forgetting it at home.
“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?” —Harper Collins
This tale will be available starting February 3, 2026, a few weeks before Ohtani begins his ninth Major League Baseball season.
Background on Decoy’s Popularity and Ohtani’s Current Performance
Decoy gained widespread attention during Ohtani’s free agency period due to rumors suggesting that the dog’s unusual name was a hint about Ohtani’s next team choice. Now, Decoy stars in his own story, reinforcing the special bond shared with his owner.
At 31 years old, Ohtani remains a dominant figure on the field, hitting .276 with a .382 on-base percentage and a .605 slugging percentage across 95 games. His offensive statistics include 32 home runs, 60 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases, placing him among the frontrunners for a third straight Most Valuable Player Award. Baseball Reference credits Ohtani with contributing roughly 4 Wins Above Replacement this season.
In addition to his hitting prowess, Ohtani has recently resumed pitching after missing more than a year due to elbow surgery. He has pitched nine innings over five appearances, maintaining a 1.00 ERA and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.00.
Ohtani also earned his spot in the All-Star Game for the fifth year running, underscoring his sustained excellence.
Significance of the Book in Ohtani’s Career and Impact on Fans
This children‘s book reflects Ohtani’s multifaceted persona, blending his passion for baseball with a personal, heartwarming story about his dog. Releasing before the 2026 season, it offers fans a unique glimpse beyond the diamond, likely inspiring young readers and baseball enthusiasts alike. As Ohtani continues to excel both on and off the field, Decoy’s story adds a new dimension to his public image and presence within the sport’s community.