Shinya Suzuki of the Chicago Cubs is getting ready to make waves as the MLB season kicks off, driven by both personal aspirations and team spirit. On March 17, Suzuki expressed his determination to bring the spirit of 'Nison Gakusha' to the opening game. During the official practice at Tokyo Dome, he impressed fans and teammates alike, hitting eight home runs out of 29 swings. 'I feel really good, and I’m so excited,' he said during the practice, giving fans plenty to look forward to as he prepares for what is poised to be an exhilarating season.
On March 18, Suzuki plans to attend his alma mater’s, Nison Gakusha University, opening match at Koshien Stadium against Yanagigetsu (Oita), showcasing his deep ties to his former school. He predicted it would be 'a very special day' and voiced confidence about his high school team, expressing, 'I think the students from Nison Gakusha will do their best, so if we can lead them to victory, I’ll be very happy.'
Adding to the team morale, Suzuki, alongside his wife Ai, showcased the unique family hospitality style—'Suzukike Style Omotenashi'—by preparing surprise gifts for his teammates at the hotel before their arrival. Together, they presented 130 bottles of specially labeled sake, 'Narayoban,' sourced from Fukushima’s Yumegokoro Sake Brewery. They also included 130 boxes of assorted sweets by Meiji, infusing some Japanese flair to the team’s pre-game celebrations.
Suzuki’s thoughtful gestures didn't stop there; on March 13, Ai also arranged for kimono dressing services for fellow wives at the team’s party, creating memorable experiences and encouraging camaraderie among the families. The preparations reflect Suzuki's commitment to not only his game but also to fostering team unity.
Opening Day excitement extended to social media platforms. On March 18, the Cubs’ official Instagram account featured highlights of pitcher Kota Imayaga and outfielder Shinya Suzuki. A captivating reel titled “Opening Day Created Over 25 Years” showcased footage from the Cubs vs. Mets game at Tokyo Dome back in 2000. The video depicted the nostalgia of young fans watching the game, transitioning to Imayaga and Suzuki discussing their aspirations for Major League Baseball since childhood.
The post attracted numerous supportive comments, both in Japanese and English, with fans expressing their excitement: 'Go Shota! Go Seiya! Do your best!,' and 'Don’t lose to the Dodgers!' Solidifying the enthusiastic community connection around these players, posts like these not only excite fans but also highlight the shared passion for baseball across generations and cultures.
Suzuki, reflecting on his upcoming participation, remarked, 'I’m going back to America after this. I’ve just gotten accustomed to the time difference now,' chuckling lightly. His focus remains not only on the games but also on delivering performances to meet fans’ high expectations. Suzuki emphasized the importance of fan support, stating, 'I can hear all the cheers, and I want to do my best to meet those expectations.'
With the combination of personal dedication and teamwork, all eyes will be on Shinya Suzuki as he contributes to the Chicago Cubs’ quest for victory this season. The essence of his potential shines brightly as he embodies tradition, loyalty, and commitment not just to his team but to the spirit of baseball.
