WATCH: Shohei Ohtani embraces 'MVP' and ‘Decoy’ chants in unforgettable World Series parade moment

When it was announced that Shohei Ohtani would be inking a $700 million contract with the LA Dodgers last December, he quickly became the hottest name in sports. From his hobbies to his relationships to his favorite objects, the media simply could not report on him enough.

Among the facets of Ohtani's life that came into focus was his dog, Decoy. A Nederlandse kooikerhondje. A beloved canine companion to the Japanese superstar, Decoy took perhaps the biggest stage of his life on Friday.

"The crowd chanting $DECOY is the best" - shoheisaveus

During the LA Dodgers World Series parade in LA on Friday, Ohtani held Decoy in his arms. As the crowd chanted the dog's name, Shohei Ohtani raised Decoy to greet the throngs of adoring fans, with his wife Mamiko smiling in the background.

Since his LA Dodgers debut, fans have slowly become more familiar with Ohtani's pup. On August 28, Decoy was even invited to "throw" the first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Dodger Stadium.

"Decoy, Shohei Ohtani’s dog, really just threw out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium. This might be the greatest day of all time Via @sportsnetla" - Dodgers Stadium

The name "Decoy" has been a point of interest among fans. While some insisted that the name derives from the Dutch "De kooi", meaning "cage", Ohtani eventually asserted that the moniker comes from the term "Dekopin", a Japanese phrase that means "to flick someone's forehead with a finger."

The public interest in Decoy spiked just as Shohei Ohtani was making his Dodgers debut in March against the San Diego Padres in South Korea. Shortly before, Ohtani had announced his marriage in a modest social media post, furthering interest and speculation into his personal life.

Shohei Ohtani love-fest continues in LA

On the same day that Decoy was given the celebrity treatment, Shohei Ohtani addressed fans at Dodger Stadium there to celebrate the victory. In a rare statement in English, the 30-year-old claimed:

"Uh, this is such a special moment for me, I'm so honored to be here and to be part of this team. Congratulations, Los Angeles! Thank you fans!"

The magnitude of what Ohtani accomplished in the 2024 season will likely go down in MLB history, and he is only getting started. With Decoy and his owner expected to stick around for at least nine more seasons, do not expect this to be the last glance at the superstar's furry friend.