Shohei Ohtani is a superstar baseball player and World Series champion.
But is a best-selling author next?
Ohtani announced the upcoming release of his upcoming children’s book “Decoy Saves Opening Day,” featuring his dog Decoy.
Ohtani, of course, is the reigning National League MVP and is the frontrunner to win it again with the National League West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers.
His book, co-authored with Michael Blank and illustrated by Fanny Liem, will be released from Harper Collins on Feb. 3, 2026. The book is currently available for presale at retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart and Barnes and Noble and at the Harper Collins website.
Why Did Shohei Ohtani Write A Children’s Book About A Dog?
Many know Ohtani as one of the best players, but if you follow him on social media, you probably have seen his dog Decoy, especially on Instagram.
Decoy is a Kooikerhoindje that Ohtani has had for about 18 months — since Decoy went viral while appearing at Ohtani’s NL MVP presentation. Decoy has been a part of many important days in Ohtani’s career, including the Dodgers championship parade after they won the World Series in five games over the New York Yankees.
Ohtani decided to publish the book in an effort to raise awareness for animal-rescue efforts.
“Shohei and Decoy hope to use the publication of “Decoy Saves The Day” to support the work these amazing nonprofits do helping dogs find their forever homes,” the Harper-Collins book website stated. “While their fictional counterparts are saving opening day, Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need.”
Ohtani announced the book on Instagram, and true to form he let Decoy do the honors by posing next to a copy of the book. Shohei also offered some behind-the-scenes Decoy action, of the dog swimming in their pool.
What Happens In Shohei Ohtani’s Book?
Unsurprisingly, based on the title and Ohtani’s prominence as a baseball player, the story centers around Decoy participating in a pregame first pitch, presumably at Dodger Stadium.
“Decoy canât wait to throw the first pitch on Opening Day of the new baseball season,” the Harper-Collins site stated. “The stadium has hot dogs, the biggest backyard heâs ever seen, and thousands of his best human friends. Itâs going to be the best day ever.
“Butâoh, no!âDecoy forgot his lucky baseball at home! Can he get his ball and make it back to the stadium before itâs too late?”
Hopefully Decoy is not driving or else he would have to contend with the legendary LA traffic.
The book may be fictional, but it is based on true events. Decoy threw out a ceremonial first pitch to his master last August at Dodger Stadium, which coincided with the promotional bobblehead doll that featured the duo at Los Angeles’ home game against the Baltimore Orioles.
By unveiling his new book, he also drew attention from sports icon Billie Jean King, who congratulated Ohtani for winning Best MLB Player at the ESPYs.
“Congrats on your new book and your ESPN!” King posted on Instagram.
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