Fans of Major League Baseball were in for a surprise during the World Series when a tribute to Shohei Ohtani’s dog, Decoy, backfired for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The unexpected tribute, which was meant to honor the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way star, ended up causing quite a stir among fans.
The tribute, which was displayed on the jumbotron at Dodger Stadium, featured a photo of Ohtani’s dog with the caption “We miss you, Decoy.” This was in reference to Ohtani’s decision to not participate in the World Series due to his team not making it to the playoffs.
However, the tribute did not sit well with Dodgers fans, who saw it as a jab at their team’s loss in the playoffs. Many took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment, with some even calling it disrespectful.
The Dodgers organization quickly issued an apology, stating that the tribute was meant to be a lighthearted gesture and was not intended to offend anyone. They also clarified that the tribute was not approved by the team’s management and was instead a decision made by the stadium’s entertainment staff.
Despite the apology, the incident has sparked a debate among fans about the appropriateness of using a player’s personal life in a tribute during a game. Some argue that it adds a personal touch and shows support for the player, while others believe it can be seen as mocking or insensitive.
This is not the first time a tribute at a sporting event has caused controversy. In 2019, the New York Yankees faced backlash for playing Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” during a game, as the singer had a history of racist songs. The team eventually stopped playing the song and issued an apology.
In the case of Ohtani’s dog, it seems that the intention was not to offend anyone, but it serves as a reminder for teams to be more cautious when planning tributes during games. As for Decoy, he remains a beloved companion to Ohtani and a fan favorite, regardless of the outcome of this tribute.
