"Shohei Ohtani's dog being elite makes sense" - Mookie Betts shares why he's unsurprised by Japanese star's dog Decoy's 'cool' ceremonial first pitch

Shohei Ohtani’s popularity is not bound to the playing field only; he’s also a superstar off the field, which his pup, Decoy, also enjoys. Decoy was introduced to fans last year when Ohtani was interviewed about winning his second AL MVP title.

Soon after, he started gaining attention among fans. On Wednesday, he made headlines once again by throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers vs. Orioles game at Dodger Stadium, impressing many, including Mookie Betts and Gunnar Henderson.

Betts on his podcast channel “On Base with Mookie Betts” was joined by Orioles All-Star Henderson and shared a wide range of topics, including Ohtani and his dog, Decoy.

“That was one of the coolest things in the world,” Betts said of Decoy’s special ceremonial pitching throwing [5:05].

“I was impressed with that, that was awesome,” said O’s Henderson.

“I mean, his dog being that elite, it makes sense, because playing with Ohtani is one the coolest thing in the world,” Betts added.

Shohei Ohtani became the first MLB player to enter the 43/43 club after he hit his 43rd home run and 43rd stolen base in Friday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Meanwhile, the LA Dodgers are positioned well to enter the postseason with the best World Series odds (+350).

Mookie Betts shares how it feels to bat behind Shohei Ohtani

Mookie Betts was the Dodgers’ leadoff batter earlier this season, with Shohei Ohtani hitting behind him. However, Ohtani replaced him after Betts went down with a fractured arm in mid-June. He resumed his season in mid-August, but this time as a second batter after Ohtani.

Despite changing the batting order, the results remain unchanged, and both All-Stars continue helping the team get to the playoffs. Meanwhile, this change made Betts realize how it feels to bat behind a two-time MVP.

“When I was leading off and he was behind me, you know, when you get out you're not really paying attention to the next guy hitting. You're like going over what just happened and what adjustments you need to make whatever it is, and so you may miss it,” said Betts on his podcast.[5:37]

“But then, you know, you get back to watching it hitting right behind him I get to see it and dude man that dude is [awesome]. You see, the numbers he's putting up it's not luck.”

Shohei Ohtani leads the NL in runs (106), home runs (43), SLG (.620), OPS (.999) and total bases (325), while trailing Francisco Lindor (6.7) in the NL WAR with a 6.5, according to FanGraphs data, building a strong MVP resume for this season.