Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga’s new strikeout celebration drives the Internet crazy originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga earned his sixth win of the season Sunday afternoon with a 4-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Imanaga struck out seven batters, and in the fifth inning, after striking out Luke Maile, he was seen taking a bow on the mound.
Imanaga also bows and bows his camp to the umpires after receiving a new baseball, a gesture of respect that has since captured the affinity of Puppies fans. On “The Pat McAfee Show” last month, Cubs starter He explained why he does that to the referees.
“It’s something in Japan where you take off your hat and bow,” Imanaga said through translator Edwin Stanberry. “That’s just a tradition to show respect. It’s something I’ve been doing since I’ve been playing there.”
Most of the time, Imanaga bows slightly and tips his cap. He does not make any grand gestures for fear of being penalized with a ball.
“I want to take my hat off every time, but if I do, it will take a long time and it could end up being a shot clock violation. So I just take a bow.”
“It’s a tradition to bow to the referee in Japan and it’s something I’ve been doing for a while…
I’d take my hat off but I don’t want my shot clock violated.” ~ Shota Imanaga#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/eMvjCP5EVh
-Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 23, 2024
Imanaga is one of the most likeable characters on the Cubs team. His humility, respect and sense of humor capture the hearts of North Side fans.
However, so do their performances in the bumps.
Imanaga recently set an MLB record by maintaining a 0.84 ERA in the first nine starts of his career, the lowest ERA of any pitcher in his first nine starts.
He has the MLB’s lowest ERA, fifth-lowest WHIP (0.91), lowest 12-opponent batting average (.200), and a 5-0 pitching record to date. His next start is scheduled for Friday against the Cardinals.