Long Lines and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Little Doppelganger, Ace’s Bobblehead Day Turns Into a Blockbuster Event

The Los Angeles Dodgers sure know how to create blockbuster moments. From Shohei Ohtani’s bobblehead night’s massive lines to other similar events, their fanbase always turns up in droves for the team. Last night was no different with the Blue Crew lovers storming the stadium to get their hands on Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s bobblehead. However, more than that they wanted to see who Yamamoto had chosen to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

A few days ago Yoshinobu Yamamoto released a video urging fans to participate in an interesting event. With hundreds of fans sending him videos of them telling him why they’re his fans, he had to choose one fan who impressed him the most. The ace did just that by selecting the 9-year-old Keita Sakuma. Seeing such a young fan standing on the mound was a surreal sight but his stance did remind people of someone.

As Sakuma stood there with Yamamoto playing his catcher, one couldn’t help but see the high similarity Sakuma’s stance had to Yamamoto’s. And as he began winding up it became clear – this 9-year-old was completely imitating the Dodgers’ ace’s pitching style. Then he threw a pitch that could be called an inside-outside ball that could lead to swinging strikeouts. Certainly, the kid had worked on his stuff before the big event.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto too was surprised after catching the ball. Not only had the kid copied his style but was also a pretty good pitcher for his age. He couldn’t stop smiling and immediately went on to high-five and hug the young Keita. It was a moment to remember for all the Los Angeles Dodgers fans. But while Sakuma was the lucky one, one can’t not mention other the fans sitting in the stands.

They were the ones who had made this bobblehead night into a massive event. The fans showed their love for Yamamoto through the massive lines they created for his bobbleheads.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Bobblehead Night generates huge passion among fans

Though the game was set to begin at 7 pm, fans had begun lining up by 3 pm. One had seen a similar craze for Shohei Ohtani’s bobblehead night but to see it again makes for a bizarre watch. But then ever since his disastrous debut, Yamamoto has done everything possible to get the fans back to his side. From his unbelievable performances to great vibes across the clubhouse, Yamamoto is slowly turning into a popular figure among the fans. 

However, the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers fans couldn’t witness Yamamoto in action. The team gave him much-needed rest after he threw a season-high 108 pitches against the New York Yankees. Yamamoto is now set to resume his pitching duties from Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. Still, the night turned out to be a massive success for the Dodgers. But then again, when have they not made an event successful?