Sophia
Los Angeles has a new sports darling, and he’s making waves both on the pitch and on the mound. LAFC and South Korean superstar Son Heung-min, fresh off his record-breaking summer transfer to Major League Soccer, continued his rapid ascent to iconic status with a flawless ceremonial first pitch at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night.
While Son has already captivated LAFC fans with his electrifying play, including a stunning free-kick goal for his first in black and gold, his baseball debut showcased another facet of his undeniable athletic prowess. The moment, which saw him deliver a strike right over the plate before the Los Angeles Dodgers took on the Cincinnati Reds, quickly went viral, earning widespread praise from baseball enthusiasts and sports commentators alike.
A Strike for the Ages: Son’s Commanding Delivery
Ceremonial first pitches can often be a mixed bag, with some memorable for all the wrong reasons (who could forget 50 Cent’s infamous throw for the New York Mets in 2014?). However, Son Heung-min, a natural athlete, approached the moment with composure and precision. His throw was a perfect strike, landing squarely in the glove of two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
The crowd erupted in cheers, and Snell himself was visibly impressed. “Easy! That was good, that was really good! Right down the middle, perfect,” Snell exclaimed, captured by microphones as he embraced Son and posed for a picture. “I didn’t even move my glove.” Son, in turn, thanked Snell for making him feel comfortable, before taking the microphone to energize the crowd for the upcoming game.
Beyond the Pitch: A Full Superstar Experience
Son’s evening at Dodger Stadium was a full-fledged superstar experience. He received a comprehensive tour of the Dodgers’ facilities and clubhouse, with LAFC proudly sharing photos of him alongside manager Dave Roberts, first baseman Freddie Freeman, and the countless awards adorning the historic franchise’s walls.
This high-profile appearance further solidifies Son’s burgeoning status as a beloved figure in Los Angeles sports. His seamless transition from global football icon to local hero is a testament to his charisma and genuine connection with fans. While it remains to be seen if he’ll ever grace an Angels game with his presence, for now, he’s firmly entrenched as a Dodger faithful, rapidly becoming a fan-favorite not just within MLS, but across the broader landscape of U.S. sports.
For more insights, analysis, and news from the world of soccer, subscribe to the SI FC Newsletter for U.S. Readers.
