Ten-year-old Sota Fujimori experienced an unforgettable night at the Tokyo Dome during a Major League Baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs. Positioned in right-center field, Sota witnessed Shohei Ohtani hit his first home run of the season in the fifth inning. Initially, it seemed he had missed the chance to catch the historic ball, as it slipped from a nearby fan’s hands and bounced back onto the field. However, fate had other plans for the young fan.
Lucky Catch Turns Sota’s First Ohtani Game Into an Unforgettable Baseball Experience
As luck would have it, Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong retrieved the ball and tossed it back into the stands, where Sota was able to recover it. The moment came as umpires reviewed the play to confirm the home run. This unexpected turn of events transformed what could have been a moment of disappointment into pure joy. For Sota, the experience was made even more special because it was his first time seeing Shohei Ohtani play in person.
Young Fan Catches Ohtani’s First Homer of Season in Magical Tokyo Dome MomentThe Dodgers went on to win the game 6-3, completing a sweep of the two-game series in Tokyo. Their victory on Tuesday had ended 4-1, marking a strong start to the MLB regular season. For Sota, however, the highlight of the event wasn’t just the win, but the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take home a home run ball hit by one of Japan’s most beloved sports figures.
Young Outfielder Treasures Ohtani’s Home Run Ball as Lifelong Memory and Inspiration
A fourth-grade student from Saitama, just north of Tokyo, Sota attended the game wearing a blue Dodgers shirt and brought a baseball glove, ready for action. Though shy and reserved during the brief interview with reporters, he proudly showed the ball, which he had carefully stored in his backpack. Sota himself is an outfielder and appeared deeply inspired by the experience, calling it a moment he would cherish forever.
While Sota’s parents declined to share personal details or allow a photo of their son’s face, they permitted pictures of the treasured ball. Sota, still visibly stunned by his good fortune, declared he would keep the ball as a “family treasure.” His joy, excitement, and awe reflected the power of sports to create lasting memories—especially for a young fan who now has a story he’ll tell for the rest of his life.