Shortly after the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched Game 6 of the World Series, star pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto approached his longtime personal trainer, Osamu Yada. With a humble demeanor, Yamamoto expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you for everything this year.” At that moment, he believed his season was over after pitching 96 pitches over six innings. In a light-hearted postgame conference, he even mentioned his desire to support his teammates rather than take the mound again the following day.
However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had a different plan in mind. He announced that Yamamoto would be the only pitcher unavailable for Game 7. Yada, ever the motivator, suggested a different approach: “Let’s see if you can throw in the bullpen tomorrow.” According to Yada, just being present in the bullpen could provide the Dodgers with a psychological edge against the Toronto Blue Jays. Yamamoto recalled this moment with a laugh, saying, “That’s how I got tricked.” Little did they know, this guidance would transform Yamamoto into a legend by the end of the night.
Yamamoto took the mound for the final 2 ⅔ innings of an intense 11-inning championship-clinching game, leading the Dodgers to a 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays. His performance marked his third win in the World Series. When he forced Alejando Kirk into a game-ending double play, the emotions flooded over him as he removed his cap and raised his arms toward the heavens. Celebrating the moment, catcher Will Smith rushed the mound and lifted him off the ground. “I felt a joy I never felt before,” Yamamoto exclaimed.
Throughout the series, Yamamoto had proven to be a vital asset to the Dodgers. He pitched a complete game in Game 2 and added another six innings in Game 6, totaling 17 ⅔ innings while allowing only two runs. This remarkable performance earned him the World Series MVP award and the admiration of both fans and players alike. “I really think he’s the No. 1 pitcher in the world,” said fellow star Shohei Ohtani in Japanese. “Everyone on the team thinks that, too.”
Even Freddie Freeman was astounded by Yamamoto’s stamina and resilience, especially considering he was sidelined for three months last year due to shoulder issues. “I mean, he pitched last night, started,” Freeman noted. “He threw the most innings out of our pitchers tonight.” He highlighted that in addition to pitching in three games, Yamamoto even warmed up for a potential fourth game in the series.
President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman praised Yamamoto’s Game 7 performance, stating, “For him to have the same stuff that he had the night before is really the greatest accomplishment I’ve ever seen on a major league baseball field.” When asked if any other pitcher could replicate Yamamoto’s success in this series, Friedman confidently replied, “No, I don’t.” He admitted that he was initially skeptical about Yamamoto's ability to pitch again after Game 6.
Yamamoto’s interpreter, Yoshihiro Sonoda, played a crucial role in the pitcher’s success as well. Sonoda is known for his superstitions and wore the same pair of lucky underwear on days Yamamoto pitched. After Game 6, he kept the lucky rabbit-themed boxers on for Game 7, admitting, “Just in case, I didn’t wash them.” This was particularly significant as Yamamoto had never pitched on consecutive days in either the United States or Japan.
When called upon to relieve Blake Snell in the ninth inning, Yamamoto faced pressure with two baserunners already on. Although he loaded the bases by hitting Kirk, he managed to escape the jam, forcing a ground out and showcasing his skill under pressure. His performance in the 10th inning was flawless, and as the game progressed into the 11th, Yamamoto maintained a 5-4 lead thanks to a home run from Smith.
As the 11th inning unfolded, Yamamoto faced Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who advanced to third base after a double. A critical walk to Addison Barger set the stage for the game-ending double play by Kirk. Reflecting on the moment, Yamamoto said, “I really couldn’t believe it. I was so excited I couldn’t even recall what kind of pitch I threw at the end.” The celebration that followed was overwhelming, with teammates rushing to embrace him.
In a heartfelt moment, Clayton Kershaw, whom Yamamoto aimed to send into retirement with a championship, embraced him tightly. As tears filled Yamamoto's eyes, he realized the significance of his achievement. On a night that solidified the Dodgers dynasty, Yamamoto made the World Series his own, etching his name in baseball history.
