Shohei Ohtani has new venture up his sleeve — a children's book
Just days after the two-way star's fifth All-Star appearance, Ohtani, 31, announced that he is coming out with a children's book.
Ohtani posted to his Instagram on Thursday that he had co-written a children's book about his dog, Decoy.
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The book, titled 'Decoy Saves Opening Day,' is available for preorder and is set to be released in February of next year.
According to the book's website from publisher HarperCollins, the story is about Decoy forgetting his lucky baseball when he is set to throw out the first pitch on Opening Day.
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Shohei Ohtani smiles after grounding out during second inning of the National League's win over the American League on July 15, 2025, in Atlanta.
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The website also says Ohtani plans to use the profits from the book to help non-profit animal rescue organizations.
'Shohei Ohtani is the biggest name in baseball and a proud sponsor of animal rescue organizations,' the website reads. 'Shohei and Decoy hope to use the publication of 'Decoy Saves Opening Day' to support the work these amazing nonprofits do helping dogs find their forever homes. While their fictional counterparts are saving opening day, Shohei and Decoy are working to help real-life animals in need.'
Outside of the book writing, Ohtani is ramping up his full-time pitching comeback for the Dodgers.
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Shohei Ohtani delivers a pitch in the first inning of the Dodgers' 2-1 win over the Giants on July 12, 2025 in San Francisco.
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In his final outing before the All-Star break on Saturday, Ohtani threw three scoreless innings in the Dodgers' 2-1 victory over the rival Giants.
The three-time MVP allowed just one hit while striking out four in his fifth appearance this season.
'Overall a very efficient outing,' Ohtani told reporters through an interpreter. 'I was glad that I was able to prevent runs and we were able to keep the lead throughout the game.'
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Ohtani, who did not pitch during the 2024 season, also said he felt his command is improving.
'Aside from the stuff, I'm more happy with the command of my pitches and being able to attack the zone,' Ohtani said. 'Today was one of those days where my fastball felt pretty good, so I leaned on it a little bit more today.'
At the plate, he leads the National League with 32 home runs and a .988 OPS.
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