Not everyone is a fan of Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga's long hair
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CHICAGO — Last year, Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga wowed fans when he took the mound at Wrigley Field for Chicago’s home opener before going on to have a stellar season — Imanaga’s first in the majors. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. The pitcher, also known as the “Throwing Philosopher,” went 15-3 for the Cubs in 2024, racking up 174 strikeouts to go along with a 2.91 ERA.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga has become a fan favorite for his strong play, long hair, and playful connection with Chicago fans, even as he works back from an injury.
Key Points:
- Imanaga had a big first MLB season in 2024, going 15-3 with 174 strikeouts and a 2.91 ERA.
- His long, flowing hair has become part of his image, and he jokes that teammates praise it while his mom thinks he should cut it.
- He also won over Cubs fans by choosing “Chelsea Dagger” as his walk-up song, a song strongly linked to Chicago sports.
- Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki have helped the Cubs improve, but Imanaga is now on the injured list and working toward a return after a hamstring injury.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Imanaga’s hamstring injury could limit Cubs ticket value and local game-day spending if his return is delayed.
Positive Impact
Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki help make MLB more popular and can draw more fans, including Japanese Americans and visitors, to baseball and Chicago.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:Chicago Cubscompany
- Primary:Shota Imanagaperson
- Major:Seiya Suzukiperson
Candidate Entities7 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Chicago CubscompanyPrimaryEvaluated
Central team in the story, tied to Imanaga’s performance, popularity, injury, and team fortunes.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Shota ImanagapersonPrimaryEvaluated
Primary subject of the article; his pitching, popularity, injury status, and long hair are the main focus.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Seiya SuzukipersonMajorEvaluated
Major supporting Cubs player discussed as part of the Japanese presence on the team and the article’s broader.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Major League BaseballcompanyContextCandidate
Broader league context for Imanaga, Suzuki, and the Japanese-born players discussed in the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Chicago BlackhawkscompanyMinorCandidate
Mentioned as the team associated with “Chelsea Dagger,” used to explain Imanaga’s walk-up song choice.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Los Angeles DodgerscompanyMentionCandidate
Mentioned in passing as the Cubs’ opponent in Tokyo and part of the Japanese-player context.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Milwaukee BrewerscompanyMentionCandidate
Mentioned as the team against which Imanaga last started before his hamstring injury.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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