Cubs’ Shota Imanaga Sends Message to Chicago Fans Amid Pending Return From Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Coming over to America for the first time is never easy for any player in Major League Baseball. For left-hander Shota Imanaga of the Chicago Cubs, one of the top starters in the game, there were things he had to learn.
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However, Imanaga did everything the right way, trying to win over Chicago fans the best he could.
As a result, many in the Windy City love him, and it’s easy to see why.
Not only has he thrown to the likes of a 2.89 ERA in his career, but Imanaga is awesome on and off the field. He’s always cracking jokes, having fun with his teammates, and seems to want to win, most importantly.
When speaking with NBC News, he talked about what Chicago fans have meant to him and how he wanted to win them over when he first joined the team.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) walks toward the mound to be checked out by a trainer after being injured against the Milwaukee Brewers in the sixth inning at American Family Field.Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
He admitted that Cubs fans were probably wondering who he was as a player and person, but it was essential for him to get acclimated with the ball club.
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“When I first got to the Cubs, I think a lot of the fans were, ‘Who is this pitcher?’” Imanaga said. “And so for me, it was really important to get acclimated with the team, with the fans. What was important was to pick something that all the Chicago fans love.”
His comments came after he had the song “Chelsea Dagger” as his walk-up song, a tune known in Chicago as the goal song for the Chicago Blackhawks, per NBC.
Imanaga hasn’t thrown in a game since May 4, but is expected to return sometime in the near future.
When he does, the Cubs should be an even better team, already leading the National League Central and attempting to run away with the division before it is even July.
Related: Cubs Listed as Prime Trade Candidate for Padres’ Former First Round Pick
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.