Shohei Ohtani, the former Los Angeles Angels superstar, was honored with his American League MVP Award at the Baseball Writers of America awards banquet in New York. The event was marked not only by his achievements on the field but also by a heartwarming moment featuring Ohtani and his dog, Decoy, which became an internet sensation.
Shohei posted this after the BBWAA Awards Dinner last night 😠pic.twitter.com/z3twNF702U
— MLB (@MLB) January 28, 2024
The mystery surrounding Decoy’s name was unveiled after Ohtani signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The bond between the baseball star and his furry companion captured the hearts of fans, adding an endearing touch to the evening.
During the awards ceremony, Ohtani expressed his gratitude and reflected on his past with the Angels and his future with the Dodgers, following his record-breaking $700 million contract.
“This MVP Award is very prestigious, and winning this award means the world to me,” Ohtani stated, acknowledging his second American League MVP honor, which came as a result of his exceptional performance in the 2023 season.
He extended his appreciation to the Angels organization, including ownership, the front office, and the staff, for their support during his six-year tenure. Ohtani also thanked his teammates and the coaching staff for their encouragement and assistance throughout the year.
Turning his gaze toward the Dodgers, Ohtani expressed his anticipation for the next phase in his career, acknowledging the team’s belief in him.
Ohtani’s MVP Award represents the pinnacle of yet another outstanding year for the exceptional talent. In 2023, he helped lead Team Japan to a World Baseball Classic championship before securing the American League MVP Award with an impressive 44 home runs, leading the league in this category. This marked his second MVP Award in three years, having previously won in 2021.
With Ohtani joining their ranks, the Dodgers have emerged as strong contenders for the 2024 World Series. Their offseason acquisitions, including Tyler Glasnow through a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and the signing of Yoshinobu Yamamoto, have further bolstered their prospects for a successful season ahead.