Lars Nootbaar (left) and Shota Imanaga (right) during their time for Samurai Japan (Getty)
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga has certainly grown on the team’s fans for his fun and quirky personality. The first-year man out of the NPB has established himself as one of the fun personalities on the team and has cracked jokes during press conferences and interviews.
In MLB’s most recent version of All-MLB Weekend: Game Night posted on Monday, Imanaga was spotted having the time of his life while playing arcade games.
He linked up with St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and Japanese national team compatriot Lars Nootbaar as the two competed in a series of events. After besting Nootbaar in the competition, he then made the famous Cristiano Ronaldo “Siuu” celebration while holding his prize, a small plush toy.
Shota Imanaga and Lars Nootbaar competed in games such as “Water Gun Fun,” “Whac-a-Hole” and the always difficult “Claw Machine.” Nootbaar won the whacking competition while Imanaga won the water gun game and the claw machine that gave him his small and cute plush toy.
Also present on the game night were Padres pitcher Dylan Cease, Athletics closer Mason Miller, and Brewers catcher William Contreras.
Shota Imanaga, a man of many nicknames
Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga has one too many nicknames since coming stateside. He was dubbed “The Throwing Philosopher” during his time in the NPB’s Yokohama DeNA BayStars for his educated and scholarly approach to the game.
Not to be the one to miss an opportunity to make fun of a situation, however, Imanaga stated another reason why he was dubbed with such a nickname through an MLB Network interview.
“I know that I have a unique personality. Even if I’m trying to say a normal thing, it comes out a little sophisticated.” – Imanaga through his interpreter, h/t Pitching Ninja
Another peculiar nickname that Imanaga has is “Mike Imanaga II.” He vested the nickname upon himself due to the reason of baristas having a difficult time writing his name.
“Shota Imanaga’s locker in #Cubs clubhouse has a new name on it: “Mike Imanaga II” Why? Mike is his coffee name when he orders his cup of Joe because it’s easier than Shota. And the “II”? “It just sounds cool.”” – @ Andy Martinez
Imanaga had a strong debut season in MLB. He went 15-3 with a 2.91 ERA in 29 starts and was named in the All-MLB Second Team.
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