Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto captivated fans at Dodger Stadium on Monday during the team’s World Series victory parade, not only for his on-field heroics but for delivering his celebratory remarks entirely in English.
The World Series Most Valuable Player addressed a near-capacity crowd without an interpreter, marking a milestone moment in his connection with the fan base.
Standing before thousands of cheering supporters, Yamamoto expressed gratitude and pride. “We did it together. I love the Dodgers, I love Los Angeles,” he said, drawing thunderous applause before adding a line that quickly went viral: “Losing is not an option.”
The 27-year-old right-hander, who joined the Dodgers from Japan ahead of the 2024 season, played a decisive role in securing the franchise’s second consecutive championship.
His performances across the seven-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays were central to the Dodgers’ triumph, including a complete-game win in Game 2 and another critical start in Game 6 to force a final showdown.
In Game 7, Yamamoto came out of the bullpen on short rest, throwing 2.2 innings of relief, allowing just one hit, and striking out one batter. His game-ending double play sealed Los Angeles’s championship and etched his name into franchise history.
A defining moment for the Dodgers’ ace
Yamamoto’s dominance throughout the postseason established him among baseball’s elite. Over the course of the World Series, he pitched 17 innings, recorded three victories, and maintained a 1.02 earned run average.
His performance placed him in rare company, becoming the first pitcher since Randy Johnson in 2001 to collect three wins in a single World Series.
The Dodgers’ championship also carried international significance. With his MVP award, Yamamoto became only the second Japanese-born player to win the honor, following New York Yankees legend Hideki Matsui in 2009.
His achievements resonated deeply both in Japan and in Los Angeles, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential international players in Major League Baseball.
Yamamoto shared the stage at the parade with several of his teammates, including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Clayton Kershaw, and Kike Hernández. Each took turns addressing the fans, but Yamamoto’s English remarks stood out as one of the parade’s defining highlights.
The moment represented more than celebration-it underscored Yamamoto’s growing comfort as a leader within the Dodgers organization and his effort to bridge cultures through the sport.
His message reflected the determination and discipline that defined both his career in Japan and his rapid success in the United States.
As confetti filled the air and chants echoed through Chavez Ravine, Yamamoto’s words, “Losing is not an option,” captured the spirit of a team and city united by back-to-back titles.
His emergence as both a champion and a voice of resolve ensures that his legacy in Los Angeles is only beginning.
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