Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani captured the spotlight before Game 1 of the 2025 World Series by arriving in a custom letterman jacket featuring an embroidered image of his dog, Decoy. The fashion statement, reported by multiple outlets within the last 24 hours, added a personal touch to the highly anticipated series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Ohtani was photographed wearing the unique jacket as he entered the stadium, with Decoy’s likeness prominently displayed on the front. The custom piece quickly gained attention on social media, where posts from MLB and other sources amassed thousands of engagements in just hours. Fans and commentators alike praised the heartfelt gesture, which highlighted Ohtani’s close bond with his pet and provided a lighthearted moment amid the competitive tension.
This isn’t the first instance of Ohtani incorporating Decoy into his public image; during the 2024 All-Star Game festivities, he wore a suit adorned with pictures of the dog. Decoy has become a beloved figure among baseball fans and even played a role in Ohtani’s free agency decision in 2023, when teams including the Toronto Blue Jays courted him with gifts aimed at both the player and his dog, adding a unique layer to his recruitment story.
In a light-hearted moment during pre-game media availability, Blue Jays manager John Schneider referenced the recruitment period, joking, “I hope he brought the hat, the Blue Jays hat he took from our meeting, and the jacket for Decoy. Give us our stuff back.” The comment added a humorous twist to the competitive buildup, reminding everyone of the interconnected narratives within the league and the personal connections that often underlie professional rivalries.
On the field, Ohtani has been in exceptional form this season, batting .282 with a career-high 55 home runs and a 1.014 OPS during the regular season. He also made a successful return to pitching after injury, compiling a 2.87 ERA in 14 games and averaging 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings. His performance in the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers was particularly dominant, earning him MVP honors after he hit three home runs and pitched six scoreless innings in one game, solidifying his status as a dual-threat superstar.
As the World Series progresses, Ohtani’s fashion choice serves as a reminder of the human elements that endear athletes to fans, blending personal stories with professional achievements. The Dodgers are vying for their second consecutive championship, with Ohtani expected to contribute significantly both as a hitter and a pitcher in the coming games, and his off-field moments like this help build a broader connection with the audience.
The widespread coverage of this event underscores how such moments can enhance fan engagement and add depth to sports reporting. With Game 1 set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on October 24, 2025, the focus remains on the action, but Ohtani’s jacket ensures that Decoy will be a memorable part of the World Series lore, illustrating how athletes’ personalities can shape the narrative beyond statistics and scores.