On March 18, 2025, the Chicago Cubs kicked off the MLB Tokyo Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the iconic Tokyo Dome, drawing considerable attention not only for the matchup but also for one of their standout players, Pete Crow-Armstrong, affectionately dubbed "PCA" by fans.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, 22, is quickly becoming popular among Japanese baseball enthusiasts. Known for his stunning defensive skills and exceptional speed, Crow-Armstrong had made headlines prior to the series, particularly during exhibition games with the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams. His uniqueness is not limited to his play; the long name on the back of his jersey has also become part of fan discussions, outshining other players, including Daisuke Uehara of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
Throughout last season, Crow-Armstrong played 123 games, achieving substantial stats with a batting average of .237, hitting 10 home runs, driving in 47 RBIs, and stealing 27 bases. His performance especially caught attention after significant improvements were noted during the latter half of the season.
Before the Tokyo Series got underway, Crow-Armstrong had been focusing on refining his batting skills, as reported by MLB.com journalist Mike Petriello. His performance improved drastically from the first half, where he posted an OPS of .548, to the second half, where he hit .735. According to data from the MLB’s Statcast, one key change contributing to this improvement included altering his batting stance. Crow-Armstrong moved approximately 33 centimeters back and about 10 centimeters closer to home plate during his at-bats, positioning himself strategically to maximize his potential for contact.
During the game, excitement built as Crow-Armstrong stepped up for his first at-bat, with the crowd erupting in chants of “PCA! PCA!” Enough to make any player feel special. Facing Dodgers’ starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Crow-Armstrong looked poised, though he ended up grounding out after hitting the third pitch, which was a splitter aimed toward right field.
Commenting on the newfound enthusiasm for his nickname, Crow-Armstrong expressed surprise at the support he received, telling reporters, 'I never thought I’d hear them chant my name here in Japan... Japanese fans are the best!' The moment captured the blending of two cultures around the game they both love.
On this historical day, baseball fans also witnessed the first-ever MLB starting pitcher face-off between two Japanese players: Yamamoto of the Dodgers and Shota Imanaga of the Cubs. Their duel was another highlight, emphasizing the growing interest and talent pool from Japan within Major League Baseball.
The excitement of the match wasn’t simply limited to the field. Crow-Armstrong, with his distinctive blonde hair styled with blue star highlights, significantly contributes to the vibrant atmosphere. Fans flooded social media with observations and expressions of their affection. Comments like, "I’m totally on the PCA bandwagon," and "His popularity is genuinely surprising" showcased the affection and excitement surrounding his persona.
By the fifth inning, the Dodgers were leading the game, but the enthusiasm surrounding the event and Crow-Armstrong seemed unaffected. It’s moments like these where individuals become part of something bigger than just the game—bridging cultures, sparking joy, and fostering connections.
The Tokyo Series, presented by Guggenheim, not only highlights the playing skills of American baseball teams abroad but also invites appreciation for the sportsmanship and competitive spirits of athletes like Crow-Armstrong.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s performance and presence exemplify the best qualities of baseball: speed, skill, and above all, the community spirit it inspires. Whether through the chants of fans or the anecdotes of seasoned players facing off, baseball continues to thrive, uniting fans across borders with the love of the game.
