Shohei Ohtani and Decoy Fetch Another Big Honor With 28-Foot Mural at New Dog Park
A new 28-foot mural celebrating Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his dog Decoy has been unveiled in Los Angeles, immortalizing one of the most heartwarming moments in recent baseball memory.
The artwork depicts the scene when Decoy gave Ohtani a high-five after delivering the ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium during the 2024 season.
Artist Alex “Ali” Gonzalez created the piece, which now lives on the wall of a new community gathering spot in the city’s Arts District.
The mural sits at Pawradise Park, a newly opened dog park and café at 435 Molino St., Los Angeles, CA 90013. The venue includes indoor and outdoor dog areas, off-leash spaces, a members-only lounge and a café.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Meet Shohei Ohtani’s Dog Decoy
Decoy, called “Dekopin” in Japanese, is a Nederlandse Kooikerhondje.
According to the American Kennel Club, the breed is “lively, agile, self-confident, good-natured and alert,” and can also be “faithful, easy-going and friendly in the home.”
“Outdoors he is a true sporting dog being keen, swift, tough, attentive and energetic,” the AKC adds.
The name Dekopin has its own playful backstory. In Japanese, the word refers to flicking someone on the forehead with a finger, typically as a lighthearted punishment or joke. Ohtani shortened it to Decoy for simplicity.
How Decoy Became a Baseball Celebrity
Decoy first drew major attention when appearing with Ohtani during the announcement of his 2023 American League MVP Award on MLB Network. It was Ohtani’s second MVP award, and Decoy’s presence alongside his owner quickly made headlines.
The moment that cemented Decoy’s star status came on Aug. 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 and then gave him a high-five.
Fans at the game received a special bobblehead featuring Ohtani and Decoy.
“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.
A few months after the first pitch, Decoy returned to center stage when Ohtani was announced as the 2024 National League MVP. After the announcement, Decoy got so excited he jumped off the couch and ran out of frame, delighting viewers watching the broadcast.
Decoy was present yet again in November 2025 when Ohtani made history as the second MLB player to win three consecutive MVP awards. It was his fourth win total, and the camera caught Decoy right by his side.
Awards, Fashion and a Children’s Book
Decoy’s celebrity status doesn’t end there.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America handed out their first ever Most Valuable Dog award at the BBWAA Awards Dinner on Jan. 25. Decoy, of course, won and received his own plaque.
The dog has also shown up in unexpected places.
Decoy has his own fake passport, was featured on the inside of Ohtani’s suit on the All-Star red carpet, and appeared on the side of Ohtani’s custom Decoy cleats for Players’ Weekend.
Ohtani and Decoy’s bond is also the subject of a children’s book released on Feb. 3 titled “Decoy Saves Opening Day.”
The story follows Decoy as he’s tasked with throwing out the first pitch to Ohtani on Opening Day but forgot his lucky baseball at home and must race to fetch it in time for the big throw.
For fans who want to see the tribute in person, the Arts District location at Pawradise Park offers a chance to snap a photo with the 28-foot artwork — and maybe let a furry friend enjoy some off-leash time while they’re at it.
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
