Ever since he was a child, St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and fan-favorite Lars Nootbaar had dreamed of playing for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.
This spring, the young outfielder got a chance to do just that.
Nootbaar, whose mother was born and raised in Japan, made his debut with the Cardinals in 2021 and instantly became a household name.
His defense and speed were stellar, as was his bat.
But fans loved him for his infectious personality and positive energy, and began serenading him with chants of his name every time he came to the plate.
On Tuesday night, his childhood dream came true when Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout to clinch a WBC title for Japan.
On Twitter, the WBC account posted a picture of Nootbaar sitting with the trophy.
The people love Lars. ❤️#WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/10IJN462AB
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 22, 2023
Nootbaar pioneered the “grind the pepper” celebration last year in St. Louis.
However, that celebration quickly spread to Japan during the WBC, as even players such as Ohtani had become close with him and were celebrating in such a fashion as well.
Soon enough, the 25-year-old became a global phenomenon and even served as somewhat of a motivational speaker for Team Japan, reminding everybody to stay loose and have a good time while competing.
Now, Nootbaar can celebrate a championship and the reality that a childhood dream of his has ultimately come to fruition.
With the WBC over, he’ll have time to savor this moment, but will look to get back to work and help lead the Cardinals to a World Series title.
NEXT: MLB Provides Footage Of Adam Wainwright Mic'd Up At The WBC
