In a thrilling encounter at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 9, 2025, Japan time. This matchup was not only significant for the players on the field but also for a special guest who took to the mound before the game: comedian Hiroyuki Miyasako, known for his vibrant personality and humor.
Miyasako, who has transitioned to a career on YouTube after his contract with Yoshimoto Kogyo was terminated in 2019, threw the ceremonial first pitch while donning a Diamondbacks cap. The comedian made a memorable entrance, striking his signature pose, "Miyazon desu!" before delivering his pitch from in front of the mound. Unfortunately for him, the ball bounced once before reaching the catcher, but he took it in stride, stating, "I was incredibly nervous and worried about whether it would reach the catcher."
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Dodgers' starting pitcher, was in the spotlight as well, but not for the best reasons. After a solid start, Yamamoto found himself in a tough spot in the fourth inning. With the game still tied at 0-0 and the bases loaded, he allowed a grand slam to Moreno of the Diamondbacks, which set the tone for a challenging outing. By the end of the fifth inning, Yamamoto had given up five runs and was knocked out of the game, leading to a flurry of comments on social media that humorously blamed Miyasako's presence for his struggles.
Social media buzzed with posts like, "Yamamoto’s meltdown is definitely Miyasako’s curse!" and "Looks like Miyasako brought bad luck to the mound!" While some users defended Miyasako, saying, "It’s not his fault, but it’s funny how people connect the dots," the majority seemed to enjoy the playful narrative linking the comedian to the pitcher's performance.
Yuta Tanaka, the CEO of the fashion e-commerce site Rocondo, was pivotal in making Miyasako's first pitch happen. Tanaka had acquired the rights to the ceremonial first pitch as part of a sponsorship deal for the game, which he secured after participating in an auction for Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball. Although he did not win that auction, he managed to buy Ohtani's 51st home run ball, which led to the opportunity to sponsor the game.
Reflecting on Miyasako's performance, Tanaka commented, "I thought it would be entertaining to have Miyasako throw the first pitch, given his background in comedy. It adds a fun element to the game, and I believe he did a great job considering it was his first time." Miyasako himself acknowledged the nerves he felt leading up to the pitch, stating, "I’ve never done this before, and I was worried it would go horribly wrong. But I wanted to take it seriously and not make a fool of myself in front of everyone, especially since it’s in the U.S.!"
Despite the pressure, Miyasako's appearance brought an exciting atmosphere to the game. His presence was not only a highlight for the fans but also a moment of connection between sports and entertainment. The combination of Miyasako's comedic flair and the high-stakes nature of the game created a unique experience for everyone in attendance.
As the game progressed, the Dodgers faced mounting pressure with their star players, including Shohei Ohtani, who was batting in the designated hitter position. However, the energy shifted as Yamamoto struggled on the mound, leading to a tense atmosphere among the fans. The Diamondbacks capitalized on the Dodgers' misfortunes, pushing their advantage as the game unfolded.
In the midst of the game, Miyasako's lighthearted spirit was a contrast to the intense competition on the field. Fans were treated to a blend of comedy and sportsmanship, making it a day to remember. Miyasako's pitch, though imperfect, became a talking point that fans would reminisce about long after the final score was settled.
As the game continued, the Dodgers' hopes of a comeback rested on their ability to rally against the Diamondbacks' pitching staff. With the crowd buzzing and the stakes high, the atmosphere was electric. Every pitch and swing was met with cheers and gasps, as fans held their breath in anticipation of each play.
The game was a testament to the unpredictability of baseball, where even the most seasoned players can face unexpected challenges. Yamamoto's performance was a stark reminder of this, as he struggled to find his rhythm against a determined Diamondbacks lineup. The social media reactions only added to the drama, as fans engaged in playful banter about the so-called "Miyasako curse," further intertwining the worlds of comedy and baseball.
As the final innings approached, the outcome remained uncertain, but the excitement was palpable. Would the Dodgers find a way to turn the tide, or would the Diamondbacks secure a victory? Regardless of the result, Miyasako's first pitch had already made its mark on the day, showcasing the fun and unpredictable nature of live sports.
In conclusion, the Diamondbacks-Dodgers game on May 9, 2025, was more than just another regular-season matchup; it was a celebration of sports and entertainment. Miyasako’s first pitch added a layer of excitement, while the game itself delivered the kind of drama that keeps fans coming back for more. As the dust settled and the game continued, one thing was clear: baseball, much like comedy, thrives on surprises.
