On March 15, 2025, the Tokyo Dome was abuzz with excitement as the Los Angeles Dodgers squared off against the Yomiuri Giants in the MLB Tokyo Series pre-season games. Ahead of the match, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts took the stage at a press conference, greeting the crowd enthusiastically with "Hello!" and quickly delving deep when discussing his impressions of the Giants.
When asked about the strengths of the Giants, Roberts revealed, "I don't know the entire team, but the only person I know is Kabbaji." His admission highlighted the focus and preparation the Dodgers have put toward their play over the Giants, particularly as they geared up for the important series.
Later, Roberts commented on the energy expected from the upcoming match against the Hanshin Tigers, expressing his eagerness for the fans: "I'm expecting a lot from the fans out in the outfield. I can only visualize what 46,000 at the Metrodome might feel like!" His excitement set the tone for the emotional atmosphere expected at these matches.
One of the biggest draws of the game was undoubtedly Ichiro's marquee player, Shohei Ohtani. Roberts confirmed Ohtani would be starting as the designated hitter, saying, "Shohei will have three or four at-bats, and we will replace him during the game." The weight of expectation was palpable, and Roberts was candid about his surprise at the “Ohtani Fever,” stating, "Honestly, I hadn’t fully anticipated the extent of it." This enthusiasm is rooted deeply within the Japanese baseball culture, as Roberts intuitively acknowledged, "For seven years, Shohei has been the face of Japan's baseball scene. I think it's going to be emotional and exhilarating for everyone involved."
On the day of the game, Ohtani proved just why he is at the center of this excitement. His performance stunned the audience, hitting significant home runs and making powerful plays, including one impressive shot clocked at 168.9 km/h (about 105 mph). Unfortunately, the excitement was briefly interrupted when one of the balls struck a spectator who had to be attended to at the infirmary. Ohtani also made home history with his second at-bat, sending the ball soaring for 120 meters, marking his first home run after 734 days. The Tokyo crowd erupted with joy, fully embracing the spectacle.
Adding to the amazement, Ohtani was seen alongside Japanese baseball legend Shigeo Nagashima, capturing the moments of solidarity and history on the field. Meanwhile, the Giants' pitcher Toggo experienced his share of struggles on the mound, giving up three home runs within one inning, marking his first professional humiliation to date. Reflecting on this defeat, Giants manager Abe commented, "I think there are many players who couldn't do anything today, and for Toggo, it was good medicine to learn from this experience." His words exemplified the resilience expected of players at this level, especially when faced with high-caliber competition.
Roberts also took the time to praise the Giants' catcher Takumi Kobashi, stating, "What stood out, particularly, was the catcher on the starting lineup. His shoulder and defense were impressive." Kobashi, starting as the No. 8 catcher, showcased his strong arm by throwing out Edman, the major leagues' stolen base leader, thrilling his fans and bolstering the Giants' morale.
With the Dodgers completing the game with a commanding 5-1 victory, the focus now turns to the next upcoming game against the Hanshin Tigers. On March 16, Roberts stated, "Four players will take the field for the full game, and I plan to replace the remaining five players during the fifth inning." The strategic lineup adjustments reflect the Dodgers' commitment to both competitive performance and player management as they transition toward the regular season.
After celebrating the victory and previewing the next challenges, Roberts captured the sentiment of the moment perfectly, exclaiming, "I am just so grateful to be here and witness the passion for baseball in Japan. It’s remarkable late March is already here, and we’re just getting started!" The series not only marks the return of baseball to the iconic Tokyo Dome but also symbolizes the friendship and sportsmanship extended across the Pacific.
Overall, the MLB Tokyo Series pre-season games have proven to be more than just matches; they are cultural events fostering connection through sport. With players like Ohtani shining brightly and managers like Roberts weaving the narratives of anticipation and excitement, this pre-season is sure to resonate long after the final pitch is thrown.