Watch: Shohei Ohtani's dog Decoy delivers adorable ceremonial first pitch on Dodgers phenom's bobblehead night
Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has become a fan favorite in Southern California, but his stardom was overshadowed at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.
On the occasion of Ohtani's bobblehead night, the Dodgers gave away "Shohei and Decoy" figurines. Ohtani's dog, Decoy, caught the spotlight after fetching the first pitch ahead of the game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Wearing Ohtani's No. 17 jersey, Decoy fetched the ball from the mound and brought it back to Ohtani who stood behind home plate. The two-time MVP also shared a high five with Decoy after the successful first pitch.
The Japanese superstar's dog caught the attention of baseball fans during his free agency. They got a first look at Decoy when Ohtani received his second MVP accolade in November last year. Ever since then, Decoy has become a social media sensation, enamoring fans with the close bond they share.
Fans queue up for Shohei Ohtani's bobblehead night
Fans clamored in numbers for the special giveaway on Shohei Ohtani's bobblehead night and reports suggested people started queuing up outside the stadium for nearly seven hours.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts shared a funny take on the turnout:
"I'm just happy that I made it," Roberts said. "It's unbelievable. I don't know if it was Shohei or Decoy or a combo, but there's a high demand for this dang bobblehead. It took me forever to get inside Dodger Stadium. There was a long line. If you plan on coming, you better have already left."
The club shared a glimpse of the bobblehead earlier on Wednesday. It had the two-way phenom holding Decoy in his hand.
With all eyes on Decoy ahead of the game on Wednesday, Shohei Ohtani registered his 42 home run of the season after a solo homer from the leadoff spot to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 1-0 lead on the night.
However, the Orioles soon took the lead after a three-run second inning. But their lead didn't last long as the Dodgers fired back with a four-run third inning. Ohtani and Co. currently lead the Orioles 5-4 at the bottom of the fourth.