Some moments in MLB history feel truly legendary. This is what happened when Masanori Murakami walked into the mound at Tokyo Dome to throw the ceremonial pitch before the Chicago Cubs faced the Hanshin Tigers. For him, it wasn’t just nostalgia; it was a full-circle moment that highlighted how far Japanese baseball has come since Murakami first set foot in the sport six decades ago.
Murakami was the first Japanese and Asian ever to play in Major League Baseball. He made history when he debuted for the San Francisco Giants on September 1, 1964, at just 20 years of age, stepping into the unfamiliar world after crossing the Pacific. But now it’s 2025, and not one but several players from Japan have carved their way into the MLB. Five even played in the Tokyo series, and this just amazed Murakami.
After throwing out the first pitch, Murakami expressed his joy and hope: “This is something I could have never imagined 61 years ago. I hope these Japanese players will give their best performance and inspire more children to want to play the game.”
Well, long before names like Shohei Ohtani, Ichiro Suzuki, or even Hideo Nomo became the center for Japanese success, it was Murakami.
Statement from Masanori Murakami on throwing out the ceremonial first pitch for the Cubs-Tigers game:
“It was an incredible honor for me to throw the ceremonial first pitch. In this Tokyo Series, there will be 5 Japanese players playing for the two teams. This is something I… pic.twitter.com/CLXAexZnbZ
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) March 15, 2025
He was sent to the US by the Nankai Hawks in 1964 as a part of an exchange program. He was expected to develop in the minor leagues, but he dazzled and hence got called into the Giants. In Masanori Murakami’s first pitches, he struck out two batters in a scoreless inning, receiving a round of applause from the American crowd. It was a rare moment, but it showered the tensions of the war.
Even though his MLB career has been short-lived, he laid the foundation for the Japanese players to dream beyond the borders.
And now, there is Shohei Ohtani, who has rewritten baseball history with his 50-50 iconic moment as if his $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers was not enough. Murakami even praised Shohei Ohtani once, saying, “Ohtani is worth as much to Japanese-American friendship as thousands of everyday people. I think everyone in the world loves him.” Well, a legend’s salute to another legend in the making.
All things apart, it was indeed touching to watch the 80-year-old trailblazer getting honored in such a huge manner.
MLB’s Chicago Cubs stumble out in Tokyo showdown
The Cubs in the game, though, struggled, and they couldn’t get going offensively, suffering a 3-0 loss to the Hanshin Tigers in the Tokyo Series opener. They didn’t record a baserunner until the sixth inning and finished with only three hits.
Despite that, Seiya Suzuki was a rare bright spot in the gameplay.
The Japanese star collected a hit and a walk and smashed a 111.7 MPH line drive that almost looked like a home run, but it fell short by a bit. Maybe something to do with the different baseballs that are used in NPB—usually smaller and softer than MLB ones. The balls don’t travel as easily, and it could have been a major challenge.
Another factor that could have played a role in the not-so-great gameplay of the Chicago Cubs might just be the atmosphere. For instance, when the Tigers came in, the crowd went crazy. But when Cubs rolled in, an eerie silence came along. They didn’t have the home-ground advantage.
However, the Cubs are making the most of their time in Japan. From participating in good luck ceremonies to taking in other cultural experiences
Meanwhile, the Tigers are coming off a stellar season, going 74-63. So it’s not just because of the crowd’s support that they won! Their twenty-year-old prospect, Keito Mombetsu, gave a flawless five-inning start. Even NPB All-Star Koji Chikamoto and Ukyo Maegawa were stellar and kept the Cubs’ bat silent.
Now though with this done and dusted, attention is going to turn to Dodgers vs. Yomiuri Giants in the next exhibition. Who do you think has an upper edge here? Comment your predictions below!
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