Among the many accolades Shohei Ohtani has received this year are two in the company of a furry buddy that celebrated its debut on national television in style.

As part of the Players Choice Awards, which were revealed on November 2, Ohtani, the two-way phenom who took home the American League MVP Award earlier this month, was also chosen the 2023 AL Outstanding Player of the Year.

Ohtani was seated next to his cherished puppy, who took center stage when his famous owner was declared the winner when he won his second career MVP award. And just as Ohtani was about to respond to his Players Choice Awards nod, out of the blue, a black cat appeared behind him, half-opening the Dutch door.

Ohtani turned around in the middle of his speech, spotted the cat fan, and burst out laughing. Later, the world’s best baseball player was formally introduced to the cat by bringing him back into the room. The cat managed to give Ohtani a right paw embrace, although clearly looking a little star-struck.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (Overall Player of the Year and NL Outstanding Player), Blake Snell (Outstanding NL Pitcher), Gunnar Henderson (Outstanding AL Rookie), Corbin Carroll (Outstanding NL Rookie), Liam Hendriks (AL Comeback Player), and Cody Bellinger (NL Comeback Player) are among the other winners of this year’s Players Choice Awards, which are especially noteworthy because they are chosen by their peers.

Maybe a new category called “Outstanding Animal Companion” or something similar will be created in the future.