Making a grand entrance at any opener at sporting events is nothing new. However, in Japan, it was not the players but the manager of a baseball team who caught everyone’s attention online after arriving on a hoverbike.
Taking the grand entrances to a new height, literally, Tsuyoshi Shinjo, also known as Big Boss, soared above the grounds at Sapporo Dome on a black futuristic vehicle, captivating the crowd. Shinjo, himself a former Major League Baseball player, made an extravagant appearance for his team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters’ first home game of the season.
The flamboyant 50-year-old baseball manager is known for his theatrical play and Tuesday’s stunt was no different. In scenes straight out of an anime, Shinjo, donning a red jacket and helmet, flew off as the crowd cheered loudly and grew crazier as he took off his gear before waving to the onlookers. Local media said he was on an XTURISMO Limited Edition hoverbike.
\ flied…!Our #BIGBOSS But! /
It was ???? that appeared on the field on the drone
Our BIGBOSS ・ #Tsuyoshi Shinjo ????????#NOW Professional baseball broadcast
????@lions_officialhttps://t.co/a72z5RcGXH Live on ⚡️#lovefighters #Fans are treasures pic.twitter.com/ApKLPomuzG— Fighters sur GAORA SPORTS (@gaora_fighters) 29 mars 2022
Shinjo, who gives off more TV star vibes than a baseball coach, is known for his flashy entrances, not only at games, but even at press conferences. As the video went viral around the world, the local team also shared images of his other expensive sports cars that he loves to drive at club events.
Currently being held at Sapporo Dome
BIGBOSS Vehicle Theater ????????A flashy vehicle
Many are on display ????????#BIGBOSS #NOW #Fighters pic.twitter.com/ZRVdXFJqer— Fighters sur GAORA SPORTS (@gaora_fighters) 30 mars 2022
Although Shinjo ensured a “flying start” to the season, it didn’t really reflect on his team as the Nippon-Ham Fighters lost to the Saitama Seibu Lions 4-0. According to Channel News Asie, he was named Fighters manager ahead of the new season despite having no coaching experience.
While his entrance created a buzz, fans wished he and the team focused more on the game than the gimmicks. Nonetheless, the buzz-worthy event won the internet.
The bar for #Opening day here in America has been set VERY VERY high… https://t.co/Q4Mm309X3G
– Bailey Analyst (@bailey analyst) 30 mars 2022
Can we get Don Mattingly one of them, @Marlins? https://t.co/uQnXVbQLJG
– Al Butler (@ALaboutSports) 30 mars 2022
I propose that all paddock cars be replaced immediately by hovercraft. https://t.co/XLpWZMrAVA
– Matt Dewhurst (@DeweyDewhurst) 30 mars 2022
The future has arrived! https://t.co/bVufuhy0fm
—Alexandre Cirqueira (@xandecirqueira) 30 mars 2022
MLB – let’s move 2nd base, no more lag in the field, clock on pitchers. Meanwhile in Japan – Hovercraft for Managers https://t.co/wN3waIgNkO
– Holly Coleman (@ HollyCo26588808) 29 mars 2022
Everyone does baseball so much better than us https://t.co/WIiuPZcXVI
– Eddy Ganges (@EddyGanges) 29 mars 2022
god i love baseball
and MLB needs to do it ASAP https://t.co/VKXeja55o8
– Sauge (Usili) @ (@Usili_Sage) 29 mars 2022
USA today reported that Shinjo, who played for the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants between 2001 and 2003, was the first Japanese-born player to appear in a World Series.
