Dodgers Opinion: For Yamamoto, a chance to cement a legacy just two seasons in; 頑張れ!
TORONTO — The expectations when LA signed him were sky-high. Yoshinobu Yamamoto seemed like a pitcher that was too good to be true. All the Sawamura awards in Japan, the MVPs, the clutch performances in the World Baseball Classic. But on Friday night in Toronto, he has a chance to do what no other pitcher on this star-studded rotation has been able to do thus far: beat the Blue Jays and send the Dodgers to Game 7 of the World Series. And with that, he could cement his reputation, not just as a solid big-game pitcher, but as a Dodgers legend.
Of course, the humble Yamamoto would never thump his chest if it happened, but beneath the placid exterior beats that ambition-filled heart of a champion. “I think from my heart that I want to be an ace pitcher like Kershaw,” Yamamoto said in Japanese at the announcement of Clayton Kershaw‘s retirement earlier this season, “and I want to do my best to one day surpass my great senior.”
Now, the “senior” line requires a bit of explanation. It wasn’t a dig at the age of Kershaw. In Japanese there is a term senpai, which refers to anyone who’s been somewhere longer than you have, a classmate, a coworker, or, in this case, a teammate. Japanese hierarchical structure in their society makes it clear that underclassmen of any stature owe some allegiance and respect to their elders. Now, in the case of Kershaw, it’s hard not to respect the guy. After all, he is one of the best pitchers of this century, and easily top-ten all time.
But all throughout his storied career, one brass ring has evaded Number 22. He was never HIM in the post season, the guy who put a team on his back, and pitched his brothers to the World Series title. He didn’t have a run like Koufax did back in the 1960s, or like Hershiser did in 1988. Or more recently, as lesser pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Curt Schilling have done in this century. If Yamamoto can win the game tonight, he will be in that same rarefied air, and in at least one way, he will have surpassed his “great senior.”
He’s already had his share of great postseason moments on the mound. His performance in the clinching game against San Diego in 2024. His strong start against the Yankees in the World Series last year. His back-to-back complete games already this year. And, his willingness to pitch the nineteenth inning in that marathon on Monday night. A win and a solid performance tonight would be the cherry on top of a near perfect run in 2025.
While other starters were on and off the IL this season, Yamamoto stayed steady and consistent, making 30 starts for the Boys in Blue. His 173 IP is the most on the team by far. In fact, the guy in second place with 117 IP (the aforemention Clayton Kershaw) didn’t even start pitching until around the All-Star Break. He’s sure to finish high in the Cy Young voting this year. Paul Skenes and Christopher Sanchez might finish ahead of him. But also they’re sitting at home tonight. Yamamoto is pitching for the glory.
Yoshinobu’s hometown is a little podunk of a place, the town of Bizen in western Japan. My wife visited this little blink-and-you’ll miss it town the last time she went back to Japan. She said the train station has a little makeshift shrine to their hometown hero. I imagine the city fathers will need to budget for a bigger one if things go well tonight.
Okay, Yoshinobu, let’s do this! And for my English-only readers… here’s a word that you can use tonight from the couch. Ganbare!
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