Shohei Ohtani’s Fan-Favorite Dog Decoy Gets a 28-Foot Tribute
A new 28-foot mural honoring the bond between Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy just went up in Los Angeles, and it’s giving us all the feels.
The artwork, created by artist Alex “Ali” Gonzalez, captures the moment that melted every baseball fan’s heart: the high-five between Decoy and Ohtani after the pup delivered the ceremonial first pitch during the 2024 season.
The mural now lives on the wall of Pawradise Park, a newly opened dog park and café in L.A.’s Arts District at 435 Molino St., Los Angeles, CA 90013.
Pawradise Park is more than a photo op. The venue features indoor and outdoor dog areas, off-leash spaces, a members-only lounge and a community-focused café environment.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. — so whether you’re a morning coffee person or an evening Instagrammer, the mural is waiting.
Baseball’s Biggest Four-Legged Celebrity
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje — try saying that five times fast — first grabbed the spotlight when he appeared alongside Ohtani during the announcement of his 2023 American League MVP Award on MLB Network.
That was Ohtani’s second MVP award, and Decoy stole the whole segment.
For maybe the first time in history, Shohei Ohtani was outshone on a baseball diamond. Ohtani’s beloved dog, Decoy, took to the mound at Dodger Stadium to “throw out” the first pitch on the Dodgers star’s bobblehead night on Wednesday, August 28. Fans lined up outside the stadium 10 hours before first pitch to get […]
His full name is “Dekopin,” which in Japanese refers to the act of flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke. Ohtani shortened it to Decoy for simplicity.
According to the American Kennel Club, the breed is “lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert.”
The AKC adds: “The breed is faithful, easy-going and friendly in the home. Outdoors he is a true sporting dog being keen, swift, tough, attentive and energetic.”
Sounds like someone who belongs at Dodger Stadium.
The First Pitch That Inspired the Mural
On August 28, 2024, Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers’ home game against the Baltimore Orioles. He ran from the mound to home plate with the ball in his mouth, dropped it in front of Ohtani, then gave him a high-five.
Fans at the game received a special bobblehead featuring Ohtani and Decoy — an instant collector’s item that had the stadium buzzing.
“It’s a really special night. I hope to buy some special snacks for him,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton after the game, per MLB.com.
Decoy Keeps Showing Up for the Big Moments
When Ohtani was announced as the 2024 National League MVP, Decoy was right there. After the announcement, he got so excited he jumped off the couch and ran out of frame — a moment that immediately went viral.
Then in November 2025, Ohtani made history as the second MLB player to win three consecutive MVP awards — his fourth win total. Decoy was present yet again, right by his side for the announcement.
And the accolades aren’t just for Ohtani anymore.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America handed out their first ever Most Valuable Dog award at the BBWAA Awards Dinner on January 25. Decoy won. He received his very own plaque.
An MVP owner and an MVD pup.
Decoy’s Off-Field Résumé Is Stacked
The dog has his own fake passport. He was featured on the inside of Ohtani’s suit on the All-Star red carpet. He appeared on the side of Ohtani’s custom Decoy cleats for Players’ Weekend.
And he’s a published character. A children’s book titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day” was released on February 3.
The story follows Decoy, who is tasked with throwing out the first pitch to his owner Ohtani on Opening Day, but he forgot his lucky baseball at home and must race to fetch it in time for the big throw.
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani might be in the midst of a jaw-dropping run that’s left baseball historians speechless — but to his teammates, he’s just another guy in the clubhouse. “He’s just a regular dude,” Dodgers star Mookie Betts exclusively told Us Weekly last month while discussing his partnership with Corona’s Playa Sounds. […]
The mural at Pawradise Park is already shaping up as a must-visit destination. Bring your dog. Snap the photo. Decoy would approve.
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