Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Announces Children's Book Supporting Animal Rescue

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani is expanding his talents beyond baseball by co-authoring a children’s book titled "Decoy Saves Opening Day," featuring his dog Decoy as the main character. The story, illustrated by Fanny Liem and co-written with Michael Blank, follows Decoy's adventure to retrieve his lucky baseball before throwing the first pitch on Opening Day. Scheduled for release on February 3, 2026, the book aims to support animal rescue organizations, reflecting Ohtani's advocacy for animal adoption and welfare. Decoy, Ohtani’s real-life dog, has already gained fame by throwing out the first pitch at a Dodgers game and even has a bobblehead in his honor. Meanwhile, Ohtani continues to excel in his baseball career, leading the National League with 32 home runs and successfully returning as a pitcher after Tommy John surgery. This addition to Ohtani’s achievements showcases his versatility as an athlete and author, with hopes that the book will benefit nonprofits helping dogs find permanent homes.