The Los Angeles Dodgers sure know how to create blockbuster moments. From Shohei Ohtani’s bobblehead night’s massive lines to other similar events, their fanbase always turns up in droves for the team. Last night was no different, with Blue Crew enthusiasts flooding the stadium to snag Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s bobblehead. Yet, beyond that, they were eager to discover who Yamamoto had selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

A few days ago Yoshinobu Yamamoto released a video urging fans to participate in an interesting event. With hundreds of fans sending him videos explaining why they are his fans, he had to choose one fan who impressed him the most. The ace did just that by selecting 9-year-old Keita Sakuma. Seeing such a young fan standing on the mound was surreal, but his stance did remind people of someone.

As Sakuma stood there with Yamamoto playing catcher, one couldn’t help but notice the striking similarity in Sakuma’s stance to Yamamoto’s. And as he began winding up, it became clear—this 9-year-old was completely imitating the Dodgers’ ace’s pitching style. Then he threw a pitch that could be called an inside-outside ball, likely to induce swinging strikeouts. Certainly, the kid had worked on his technique before the big event.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also surprised after catching the ball. Not only had the kid copied his style, but he was also a pretty good pitcher for his age. Yamamoto couldn’t stop smiling and immediately went on to high-five and hug young Keita. It was a moment to remember for all Los Angeles Dodgers fans. While Sakuma was the lucky one, we can’t overlook the other fans sitting in the stands.

They were the ones who turned this bobblehead night into a massive event. The fans demonstrated their love for Yamamoto through the massive lines they formed to get his bobbleheads.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Bobblehead Night generates huge passion among fans

Though the game was scheduled to begin at 7 pm, fans began lining up as early as 3 pm. Similar enthusiasm was seen during Shohei Ohtani’s bobblehead night, but witnessing it again was quite remarkable. Since his disastrous debut, Yamamoto has made every effort to win back the fans’ support. With his outstanding performances and positive vibes in the clubhouse, Yamamoto is gradually becoming a beloved figure among the fans.

However, the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers fans missed seeing Yamamoto in action as the team gave him much-needed rest after he threw a season-high 108 pitches against the New York Yankees. Yamamoto is now scheduled to resume his pitching duties starting Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. Nonetheless, the night proved to be a massive success for the Dodgers. Then again, when have they ever failed to make an event successful?