Nootbaar proud to make history for his mother and heritage with Japan 

OSAKA, Japan — It could have simply been an exhibition sport, however on Monday night time when Team Japan confronted the Hanshin Tigers earlier than the World Baseball Classic begins in full, historical past was made. That’s as a result of batting first and taking part in left subject was Lars Nootbaar, the primary participant to swimsuit up for the Japanese nationwide group who wasn’t born in Japan.

The massive second began with somewhat confusion, although.

“We were wearing our home unis, so I thought we were home,” Nootbaar mentioned after the sport, his eye black fading however a large smile nonetheless etched on his face. “I was getting ready to go out on defense, but they were like, ‘Oh no, you’re going out there [to hit].’ I was like ‘Oh shoot.’ I got sped up a little bit, but it’s probably good. I didn’t have to think about it all day.”

Just a few pitches later and all of it labored out: In his first at-bat, Nootbaar laced a single and celebrated with the Cardinals’ pepper-grinder celebration. That began a Team Japan custom, too — a visible cue that may join Nootbaar together with his new teammates.

“We wanted a little hit celebration, something to do,” Nootbaar mentioned. “We didn’t really know what to come up with. And so [Shohei Ohtani] said, whatever I go out there and do first, that’s what we’re gonna roll with. So, I went out [and got a hit] in the first inning, we got the pepper grinder out there. We stuck with it.”

Two innings later, Ohtani hit a house run and, certain sufficient, made certain to grind some pepper as he rounded third base. It was the clearest signal that this group had accepted their new teammate into the fold.

“I think that is one of the strengths of sports, the ability to go beyond nationality. I told him this is a big first step for Japanese baseball.”

Though Nootbaar’s inclusion on the roster is a primary, it is really one thing that is been within the works for his total life. His mom is from Saitama, and the Cardinals outfielder turned enamored with group Japan when he was only a younger boy. His household performed host to gamers from a touring highschool All-Star group, which featured future Yankees star Masahiro Tanaka. Just 9 years outdated, Nootbaar was welcomed into the fold like he was certainly one of them. He would be part of the group on the sphere for pregame stretches earlier than taking up batboy duties for the remainder of the sport.

“They were my role models, they were like pros even though they were just high schoolers,” Nootbaar mentioned. “My family accepted them as their kids, and for me, it was like having a brother for a couple weeks. It’s nice that it’s the opposite now.”

When Team Japan’s roster was introduced, a few of these gamers even referred to as his household to supply their congratulations.

“They were just super excited. They were super pumped. They couldn’t believe that the little batboy from 10-15 years ago is now playing and representing Team Japan. They were all super excited, and I’ve been welcomed with open arms. It’s been a really cool experience for me, I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

That expertise has been mirrored by his new teammates, too. Born with the Japanese title of Tatsuji in honor of his grandfather — he, together with the remainder of his mom’s facet of the household nonetheless lives in Japan — has earned Nootbaar the nickname “Tachan.” When the Cardinals outfielder arrived to Team Japan’s camp, all of the gamers have been sporting particular T-shirts together with his nickname and flags from each international locations printed on the again.

“Obviously, my mom is very proud,” Nootbaar mentioned. “That’s very cool because I’m a mama’s boy and she’s my best friend. She’s sacrificed so much for me, so to do something and put a smile on her face and represent her [heritage] — it means a lot to me.”

Their could also be a language divide between Nootbaar and his teammates, however it hasn’t gotten in the best way of the sport or quick friendships.

“When I’m on the field, it’s completely clear. I try as much as I can to spit out main words, so they can understand and they do the same. They’re great with their English too, surprisingly,” Nootbaar mentioned. “What do they say? Ninety percent of communication is nonverbal anyway, so I think they get my vibe, I get their vibe. It’s pretty cool.”

Nootbaar may have loads of members of the family readily available on the Tokyo video games, desperate to see their California-born relative swimsuit up in Japan’s conventional pinstriped uniform. He’ll actually have a new talent to indicate off: He’s discovered the lyrics to “Kimigayo,” the Japanese nationwide anthem.

“I was actually next to the manager today and we were singing it together,” Nootbaar mentioned. “I was singing it just to prove that I knew some of the words. That was pretty fun.”