Tokyo, Japan - The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their 2025 Major League Baseball season on March 18 with the first game of two at the Tokyo Dome. This highly anticipated matchup marked the beginning of the new season with each team bringing its unique narratives and expectations to the diamond.
Entering this season, the Cubs are under significant pressure to perform. With aspirations to secure playoff contention, insider sentiments suggest failure to meet expectations could lead to internal changes, particularly within the management structure. Conversely, the Dodgers, as the reigning World Series champions, are also not taking their foot off the gas. They aim to start strong, maintaining momentum from their impressive postseason run last year.
Fans inside the Tokyo Dome buzzed with excitement as the game commenced. The iconic stadium, which can accommodate up to 55,000 spectators and first opened its gates on March 17, 1988, was the perfect venue for this historic opener. The atmosphere was electric with the vibrant energy of fans, some sporting jerseys of their favorite players, eagerly awaiting the first pitch.
At the center of this debut was Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, who took the mound as the starting pitcher on Opening Day. Imanaga is not only known for his strong performances but also for representing Japan, making this game particularly special for him. The opposing pitcher for the Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, also hails from Japan, showcasing the international nature of the event. The first pitch was thrown at 5:10 A.M. Central Time, marking the start of what fans hoped would be an exciting and competitive game.
On the batting side, Cubs rookie Matt Shaw made headlines as he slotted fifth in the order, making his MLB debut before turning 24 years old. This achievement was significant, as he is the first Cubs player to do so since Gary Scott in 1991. "He handled each level and did the things we asked him to do," said Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations for the Cubs, highlighting Shaw's impressive performance during his short stint in the minors over the past year and half.
Despite facing challenges, including limited playtime due to a left oblique issue earlier this spring, the Cubs were confident Shaw was ready for the big league stage. Manager Craig Counsell remarked, "You put a challenge in front of him, he wins the challenge. He has performed everywhere he’s gone," underscoring the trust placed on the young athlete.
The Cubs finalized their Opening Day roster with various changes, including the designation of Keegan Thompson for assignment and placing right-handed pitcher Javier Assad on the injured list due to left oblique strain. Nonetheless, the excitement of having Shaw and Imanaga contributed to the players' resolve to take on the Dodgers.
The roster boasts talent, featuring notable names such as Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Dansby Swanson. With Imanaga's solid track record, including finishing fifth in the National League Cy Young voting last year, fans were hopeful for a competitive pitching duel. His performance on the mound is expected to set the tone for the game.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also brought forth his best players, ready to showcase their prowess against the Cubs. The matchup was positioned to be intense, with both sides flaunting strong lineups. The Dodgers, fresh off their previous championship glory, aimed to begin their title defense with this overseas game.
Shaw’s connection with his teammates has been noteworthy, with veteran infielder Justin Turner recognizing his eagerness to learn and engage. "He’s very open. He’s very curious. He wants to learn. He wants to be around guys," Turner stated, reflecting the camaraderie burgeoning within the team.
Through the eyes of the Japanese fans, this game represented more than just local players taking part; it was about the global appeal of baseball. Players took time to immerse themselves in Japanese culture, embracing the uniqueness of this international event. The preparation extended beyond the field, as the Cubs engaged with local traditions and cuisine, gathering insights from the rich historical background of their surroundings.
Even as the game unfolded, early innings showcased minor struggles from both teams’ pitchers, yet anticipation built each time they returned to the mound. Imanaga delivered early, fanning batters with high-speed pitches, buoying hopes among Cubs supporters. Fans jeered and cheered, craving each strike and swing, living every moment of this inaugural contest.
Overall, the matchup signaled the first step for teams eyeing peak performance throughout the grueling season to come. For the Cubs, it was about establishing momentum and contentment with their roster decisions, including placing their trust on promising talent like Matt Shaw. For the Dodgers, it was another opportunity to demonstrate why they are the defending champions, setting the bar high as the season launched full-speed.
With every pitch thrown and every run scored, the excitement increased, intertwining new beginnings with the hunger for victory. It was the essence of the MLB season come to life, encapsulated perfectly within the spirited ambiance of the Tokyo Dome, marking the official return of Chicago Cubs baseball and the vitality of the game players and fans cherish.
