Yoshinobu Yamamoto didn’t start Thursday night’s game for the Dodgers, but someone who sure looked like him still took the mound at Dodger Stadium.
With the rookie pitcher from Japan crouched behind the plate, 9-year-old Keita perfectly mirrored Yamamoto’s unique delivery for an incredible ceremonial first pitch.
Keita was the winner of a special contest put on by Yamamoto and the Dodgers to determine who would throw the first pitch on Thursday -- Yamamoto’s bobblehead night. Hundreds of fans sent in videos explaining why they were Yamamoto’s biggest fan, but only one could win.
Clearly, Yamamoto chose well. Perhaps Keita will have his own bobblehead night soon enough.