On March 19, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in international baseball as Roki Sasaki, a young pitcher from the Los Angeles Dodgers, made his major league debut in a game against the Chicago Cubs at the Tokyo Dome. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric, filled with anticipation, and fans were eager to witness the talent of this rising star. Sasaki, who has made headlines for his explosive pitching speed, delivered 3 innings with remarkable stats: 1 hit, 1 earned run, 3 strikeouts, and 5 walks, achieving a maximum speed of 100.5 miles per hour (approximately 162 kilometers). Despite his debut being marred by control issues, where he walked five batters, the excitement around his potential was palpable.
This highly anticipated debut came shortly after a devastating forest fire in Sasaki's hometown of Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, which occurred on February 26, 2025. The fire burned approximately 2900 hectares, equating to about 9% of the city's total area. In light of this tragedy, Sasaki didn’t hesitate to support his hometown. Displaying compassion and a deep connection to the community, he donated 10 million yen and 500 sets of bedding to the affected residents, an act praised by the local mayor, Kiyoshi Setamai.
Setamai, who is not only the mayor but also a baseball club alum from Ofunato High School and an elder of Sasaki, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the young athlete for his prompt and generous support to his anguished community. He stated, “The bedding will be utilized at evacuation centers, and I want to express my gratitude for the swift assistance.” Such acts of kindness resonate deeply, particularly since Sasaki experienced significant loss during the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, when he was just nine years old. He lost both his father and grandparents, forcing him and his family to move from Rikuzentakata City in search of a fresh start.
Sasaki's journey through sports has been influenced by his past. During his sixth-grade year, he participated in a children’s baseball league called the “Rias League,” which helps young players from areas affected by the disaster. At that time, Setamai was a city council member who witnessed an early glimpse of Sasaki’s pitching potential, remarking that he was struck by Sasaki's performance during those formative years, saying he saw “a glimpse of his potential.”
In the competitive world of baseball, Sasaki was recognized as a remarkable talent in high school, achieving the fastest pitch recorded in the history of Ofunato at 163 km/h. Setamai recalls the pride he felt when his alma mater’s name began to resonate nationwide, a sentiment that only grew stronger when he officially welcomed Sasaki back to the community last year when the city signed a sponsorship deal with the Lotte team, reuniting them at ZOZO Marine Stadium.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding Sasaki’s transition to major league baseball through the posting system, which restricted his contract options and monetary compensation due to his young age, Setamai was unequivocal in his support. He asserted that the decision to forge his own path amid criticism deserves respect and admiration, highlighting the changing values among the citizens of Ofunato since the earthquake. “After the disaster, more people are striving to move forward on their paths, and I want our administration to support that,” he remarked.
Residents of Ofunato have undergone a transformation in their perspectives post-earthquake. The harrowing experience prompted a deeper understanding of life’s fragility and the importance of pursuing one’s goals, whatever they may be. Sasaki’s decision to chase his dreams across the sea at such a young age embodies this sentiment, reflecting a collective resilience among individuals who know that nothing is guaranteed. Setamai expressed a nuanced thought on Sasaki's leap into major league baseball: “People who experienced the earthquake know that tomorrow is not guaranteed, and the lives of loved ones are not eternal. Hence, Sasaki's decision is understandable.”
As Sasaki stepped onto the field at Tokyo Dome, he carried with him not only personal ambitions but also the hopes of his fellow citizens in Ofunato. While Mayor Setamai found himself tied up with ongoing disaster response efforts and could not physically attend the game, he ensured that support for Sasaki would remain unwavering. “He is a source of pride and a star of hope for the citizens, and we will always support him,” he said, echoing the sentiments felt across the city.
The emotion surrounding Sasaki’s major league debut, marked by the unexpected snowfall in Tokyo that morning, harkened back to poignant moments in his past. As snow swirled in the air, it mirrored the feelings of nostalgia and hope that filled the hearts of those who have witnessed his growth. Friends and former teammates gathered to surprise him, recalling memories of his drafts and the encouragement they provided. “I wanted to send him off with my wishes,” said Kiyoshi Kinoshita, a former teammate’s parent, reminiscing about the day Sasaki was drafted first overall. “I hope for him to take off to the world from this point.”
As Sasaki embarks on his journey in Major League Baseball, his story is a testament to resilience, community support, and the drive to overcome adversity. The memories of those lost are deeply etched into his narrative, but equally powerful is the hope and encouragement from the people of Ofunato. Now, on a global stage, he carries not just the weight of his ambitions but also the pride of a community that believes in him, setting the tone for a new chapter in both his life and the history of baseball.
