Last night, the Dodgers welcomed a very special guest to their stadium to throw the game’s ceremonial first pitch: star player Shohei Ohtani’s dog, Decoy.
The Dodgers have invited many high-profile celebrities, like Kendrick Lamar and Matthew McConaughey, to throw first pitches at their games. But few first pitchers have garnered quite as much excitement as Decoy did.
To commemorate the occasion, the Dodgers gave out special bobbleheads of Ohtani holding Decoy. Fans started lining up at 8 a.m. to get their hands on the limited-edition figurine.
In case anyone forgot what team he was representing, Decoy donned a custom Dodgers uniform with the number 17 to match his dad.
Everyone in the crowd held their breaths when Decoy’s big moment arrived, but he performed beautifully under the pressure. He picked up the ball from the pitcher’s mound and casually ran it over to his dad, as if playing a high-stakes game of fetch in front of over 50,000 people is something he does every day.
Dodgers fans were so impressed with Decoy’s athleticism that they wondered whether he would become a permanent member of the team.
“I’ve seen enough to add him to the pitching rotation,” one commenter wrote on Instagram.
“Give Decoy a contract,” another wrote.
After Decoy completed his pitch, the two shared a high five and Decoy enjoyed a treat. His presence proved to be a good luck charm for the Dodgers, who brought home a win.
While Decoy’s “first fetch” may have appeared effortless, Ohtani explained in a post-game interview that he and Decoy had been practicing it together for three weeks.
“I think I was more nervous for the ceremonial pitch than Decoy,” Ohtani said in the interview. “I’m glad that everything went well.”
Ohtani promised to get Decoy a special snack after the game to celebrate. Hopefully, once Decoy has taken plenty of time to rest, Dodger Stadium will be graced with his presence once again very soon.
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Source: USA Today
