We are now just two days away from the start of the World Baseball Classic.
Every player participating in this legendary event has joined their respective WBC ballclubs, and now it’s time to see who truly has the best roster.
Team Japan is already playing some tune-up games.
To nobody’s surprise, Shohei Ohtani will be competing for the Japanese National Team.
The Los Angeles Angels superstar recently hit a home run and as he was rounding third base, he looked into the dugout and made the shape of a pepper grinder with his hands.
This of course was pioneered by his WBC teammate and St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar, who would perform the move after every Cardinals hit in 2022.
Ohtani goes full pepper grinder. #noot #TeamJapan #WBC pic.twitter.com/4n32y7ZelF
—Jim Hayes (@TheCatOnBallyTV) March 6, 2023
The Cardinals and their fans often praise Nootbaar for his infectious energy and fun-loving personality, which has clearly rubbed off on Ohtani.
Last year, the Cardinals had a lot of fun with their pepper grinder celebration after every hit, and the entire Japanese National Team may soon catch on to the trend.
Clearly, Ohtani has caught on and is enjoying having Nootbaar as a teammate.
And there’s a lot to love about this type of celebration.
It kept the Cardinals loose last season and could be used as a way to keep Team Japan loose throughout the Classic.
And if Japan wins the WBC, a lot of the credit could go to Nootbaar for not only pioneering this type of celebration, but also teaching Ohtani about it and creating a rallying cry of sorts.
NEXT:
Shohei Ohtani Made A Special Stop In Japan
