NEW YORK — As the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their World Series victory with a lively parade in Los Angeles, attention inevitably turned to Freddie Freeman, the standout player and Most Valuable Player. However, there was another star amidst the festivities: Decoy Ohtani, the beloved dog of Shohei Ohtani.

Decoy, a Dutch kooikerhondje, was seen nestled comfortably in Ohtani’s arms on the upper deck of a double-decker parade bus, capturing the hearts of fans and spectators alike. This charming pup has established himself as a beloved figure among Dodgers supporters, especially as he sat on Ohtani’s lap when the player received the historic honor of being the first Major League Baseball player to be unanimously awarded the MVP title twice, a recognition earned during his time with the Los Angeles Angels.

In addition to the parade, Decoy made an appearance on Ohtani’s Instagram following the celebration, featuring heartwarming photos of him enjoying autumn walks and looking cozy in bed shortly after the team’s champagne-soaked festivities.

After Ohtani made headlines with his record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, reporters couldn’t help but inquire about Decoy. During a press conference, the Japanese-born star shared that his dog’s name in Japanese is Dekopin, but he humorously indicated that Decoy would be an easier name for English speakers to use.

The name “Decoy” aptly suits this breed, as it comes from their background. The English term “decoy” is believed to be derived from the Dutch phrase “de kooi,” which translates to “the cage.” The Nederlandse kooikerhondje, known for its agility and cleverness, was originally bred to attract ducks and guide them into traps for hunters. Those familiar with historical Dutch paintings might recognize a reminiscent spaniel-type dog with long ears, which likely descends from the lineage of today’s kooikerhondjes.

Dog owners often describe this breed as lively and intelligent. For instance, in August, Decoy demonstrated his charm as he threw the ceremonial first pitch at a Dodgers-Orioles game, in front of a crowd of nearly 54,000 fans.

Though Decoy may not have his likeness displayed in an art gallery, the little dog’s fame has extended to a custom Ohtani bobblehead, and he even received a large-scale “visa” during a special visit to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo last winter.