Roger Arrieta
Before Game 1 of the Tokyo Series, Dodgers pitcher Anthony Banda took a few moments to share his thoughts on opening day, the incredible support from Dodger fans, and his first experience in Japan.
A Huge Thank You to the Fans
As many fans woke up early or stayed up late to catch the Dodgers’ opening game in Tokyo, Banda had a heartfelt message for them. “Thank you for staying up and watching us,” he said. “We’re so excited to get back to the States for the ring ceremony and to see everyone there. The support here has been unbelievable, and I’m really grateful for everything.”
He also reflected on how many Dodger fans made the long and expensive trip to Tokyo. “I’m honestly surprised by how many people made it out here. It’s a long trip, and not cheap either,” Banda admitted. “But it’s amazing. I was walking around in Shibuya yesterday, and I kept seeing Dodger hats everywhere. To see the global reach of this fan base is just unreal. I get speechless sometimes thinking about it.”
The Shohei Ohtani Experience
The conversation naturally turned to Shohei Ohtani, and Banda shared his awe at the attention Ohtani gets in Japan. “I knew it was going to be big, but being here and seeing it up close… it completely blew me away,” Banda said, clearly impressed. “It’s incredible. Everywhere you go, you see him in ads, on billboards, and just in the energy of the city. It’s amazing to be his teammate, to talk to him every day. It’s a special time to be a baseball player, and being a Dodger makes it even better.”
Growing the Game Globally
Banda also addressed some of the criticism that the Dodgers’ international fame is changing the face of baseball. “Some people say we’re ruining the game, but I really think we’re growing it,” Banda explained. “The Dodgers are one of the teams helping to make baseball global, and it’s great to be a part of. Baseball is my favorite sport, and seeing it grow around the world is something I’ll always be proud of.”
He hopes the success of the Dodgers can inspire other teams to build their own global fanbases. “I hope other teams see what we’re doing and it motivates them to grow their brands and reach out globally too,” Banda added.
Discovering Japan’s Unique Culture
When asked about his time in Japan, Banda shared his appreciation for the country’s culture. “It’s such a clean city, not too noisy, and the respect people have for each other is something special,” he said. “You don’t hear a lot of honking, and even though it’s crowded, you can still get around easily. It’s different, but in a great way.”
As someone who grew up loving anime and samurai movies, Banda couldn’t help but marvel at Japan’s rich traditions. “I’ve always been into anime and samurai stuff, so being here and experiencing the culture has been amazing for me.”
Tokyo’s Rich Baseball History
Reflecting on the significance of playing the Tokyo Series, Banda acknowledged the city’s deep baseball history. “Tokyo has a rich baseball culture, and thinking about everything this city has contributed to the sport is pretty impressive,” Banda said. “I definitely recommend coming here to experience it for yourself. The food, the culture—it’s all top-notch.”
Banda’s excitement for the game, the fans, and the unique experience of being in Japan was clear throughout the interview. As the Dodgers prepared for their historic game in Tokyo, Banda expressed how thankful he is to be part of such an incredible global journey.
With a new season underway, the Dodgers are eager to continue growing the sport, connecting with fans worldwide, and making memories that will last a lifetime.
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