Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani had an unexpected surprise before Wednesday night's game against the Baltimore Orioles when his beloved dog, Decoy, took center stage to "throw out" the ceremonial first pitch. Decoy, a Dutch Kooikerhondje, sported his very own custom jersey as he joined Ohtani on the pitcher's mound.

In a heartwarming display of canine talent, Decoy patiently waited for Ohtani's signal before picking up the ball with his mouth and dashing towards Ohtani behind the plate. The sellout crowd of over 53,000 at Dodger Stadium erupted in applause, appreciating the adorable exchange between the player and his furry friend.

Ohtani, often compared to baseball legend Babe Ruth due to his remarkable skills as both a pitcher and a hitter, couldn't contain his excitement following Decoy's pitch. Speaking to reporters after the game, Ohtani admitted to being more nervous about the ceremonial pitch than his canine companion. He expressed his relief that everything went smoothly.

The 30-year-old Japanese player dedicated three weeks to training Decoy, ensuring that his four-legged friend was prepared for the memorable moment. Ohtani shared his gratitude for the unique experience, stating, "It was a really special night. I hope to buy a special snack for him."

While Ohtani has his sights set on making history as the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Decoy has already achieved a remarkable feat of his own. According to ESPN, Decoy is the first canine to perform the ceremonial pitch at a Dodgers game, adding another chapter to the dog's growing legacy.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also expressed his amazement at Decoy's training, commenting, "I was really impressed that the dog was already that well-trained. I guess if it's Shohei's dog, then nothing should be that surprising."

Decoy made his debut in Major League Baseball last year when Ohtani revealed his name after receiving his second American League MVP title. Originally named "Dekopin," a Japanese term meaning "flicking someone's forehead," Ohtani opted for the more accessible name of Decoy, ensuring it would be easier for American fans to pronounce.

Decoy's starring moment adds to an eventful summer for canine baseball celebrities. Last month, Layla, a 13-year-old dog, retired from her bat retrieval duties after spending six years with the Clearwater Threshers, a Philadelphia Phillies minor league team. Following in her pawsteps, Lucy May gained viral attention with an impromptu potty break during her first night on the job.

With Decoy stealing the show at Dodger Stadium, it's clear that our furry friends continue to captivate fans both on and off the field.