In 2024, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga, fondly nicknamed the “Throwing Philosopher,” captivated fans with a remarkable season, finishing with a 15-3 record, 174 strikeouts, and a 2.91 ERA. Prior to this, Imanaga played professionally in Japan from 2016 to 2023. His youthful charm, humor, and long flowing hair quickly made him a fan favorite in the U.S. In a humorous moment with NBC News, Imanaga acknowledged his teammates’ compliments about his hair, while teasingly dismissing his mother and friends’ suggestions to get a haircut.
During his rookie year, Imanaga chose “Chelsea Dagger”—the Chicago Blackhawks’ iconic goal song—as his walk-up tune, showcasing his desire to connect with Cubs fans. He noted the initial curiosity surrounding him when he joined the team, emphasizing the importance of becoming familiar with the fan base.
Outfielder Seiya Suzuki, also from Japan and a teammate since 2022, echoed Imanaga’s efforts to engage with fans, mentioning his fondness for hot dogs. Both players have been instrumental in revitalizing the Cubs following two consecutive losing seasons, with the team achieving winning records in the last two years. Their success highlights a growing Japanese presence in Major League Baseball, exemplified by the Cubs’ season-opening games in Tokyo against the Dodgers, featuring stars like Shohei Ohtani.
Currently, Imanaga is on the 15-day injured list due to a hamstring injury sustained on May 4, but he is expected to return in early June. His jersey remains the most popular among Cubs fans as the team leads the NL Central standings.
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