Shohei Ohtani Writes Children's Book to Help Animal Rescues

The same baseball phenom who hits home runs and throws 100 mph fastballs just became a published children's author with a mission to help rescue animals.

Shohei Ohtani's first book, "Decoy Saves Opening Day," arrives Tuesday from HarperCollins. The 32-page illustrated story follows his beloved dog Decoy on a race-against-time adventure to retrieve his lucky baseball before throwing the ceremonial first pitch to Ohtani on Opening Day.

The four-time MVP and two-time World Series champion teamed up with co-author Michael Blank and illustrator Fanny Liem to bring the tale to life. Decoy, whom fans have dubbed MLB's "Most Valuable Dog," became an instant sensation after Ohtani adopted him from a rescue organization.

Now the pup is helping other animals find their forever homes. Ohtani plans to use the book to promote and support animal rescue organizations, turning his platform as baseball's brightest star into a force for good beyond the diamond.

Sunny's Take

This isn't Ohtani's first time showing his soft side for animals. He's been vocal about the importance of pet adoption and has used Decoy's popularity to shine a light on rescue work. The book gives young readers a fun story while teaching them about compassion for animals in need.

Ohtani joins a small but growing club of Major League players turned children's book authors, including first baseman Josh Bell and pitcher Brent Suter. But leave it to baseball's most electrifying player to find yet another way to surprise us.

Whether he's making history on the field or writing stories off it, Ohtani keeps proving there's not much he can't do when he sets his mind to it.