Julio Rodriguez receives Naruto-inspired headband a day after memorable meet with Olympian Hailey Van Lith

Julio Rodriguez lists himself as one of the baseball players who love watching anime. Check out the list of seven MLB players who are anime lovers.


Julio Rodriguez receives Naruto-inspired headband a day after memorable meet with Olympian Hailey Van Lith

Julio Rodriguez [Image Credit: Imago/X/Reddit]

Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez received an iconic anime Naruto-inspired headband on August 28. Just like many baseball anime lovers, he too found himself as a favorite on that list.

The team gave away the headband during their game against the Tampa Bay Rays as the All-Star proudly posed with a ninja sign on social media. The fans can also buy the exclusive ‘S’ logo merchandise during their game against the Rays for a specially priced ticket.

YouTube video

The anime-themed merchandise is sure to cause a roar among fans during the game. It was also not the first time that J-Rod spoke about his love for the anime Naruto. Earlier this year when he released his new cereal packet, it featured a Naruto character.

FS Video
Naruto is my favorite anime. He was basically nobody, and he became the most important person when he was nobody.
Julio Rodriguez on X. 

Apart from the cereal, and the headband, he also has a batting guard featuring a Naruto design on the inside. Before his headband became viral, the 23-year-old was buzzing on the internet due to his interaction with Olympian Hailey Van Lith

It took place on Sunday when the collegiate basketball player took to the diamond to spend a few moments with Mariners star Julio Rodriguez. They swapped jerseys and Lith even threw the first ceremonial pitch.

List of 7 baseball players who are big-time anime lovers 

Shohei Ohtani, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr.
Shohei Ohtani, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Fernando Tatis Jr. [Image Credit: Imago]

Julio Rodriguez

Julio Rodriguez
Julio Rodriguez [Image Credit: Imago/X]

To start off the list, Julio Rodriguez’s love for anime and his ranking as his favorite Top 5 took the internet by storm. Being an anime lover, he put Naruto at the top of his list, followed by, Dragon Ball Z, Demon Slayer, Bleach, and One Piece. Many fans were dissatisfied as he put One Piece at the end, while many argued why there’s even a commotion over this.

Shohei Ohtani 

Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani [Image Credit: Imago/Reddit]]

The Japanese star Shohei Ohtani, one of the most favorite baseball players of all time, declared that he got inspired by a baseball anime named ‘Major’ to further better up his skills and pursue his dreams. He said, he especially liked the character Goro Shigeno and it inspired him to be the player he is today. 

Apart from that he also likes One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Black Clover, and World Trigger. Ohtani said he has a Topps card “where his portrait pays tribute to Jujutsu Kaisen”. In 2021, he even used Jujutsu Kaisen’s ‘Lost in Paradise’ as his walkup song.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. [Image Credit: Imago/X]

The New York Yankees rookie, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is not only well known for his performance on the field and personality but also for his love of anime. He has designed and worn several anime-themed shoes like, Sasuke-themed Naruto cleats, Black Clover pair, and even a custom-made Sasuke glove.

During his interaction with Mookie Betts, he also revealed he’ll have more custom anime cleats next year. His red and green pairs of shoes instantly became a fan favorite among anime lovers.

Fernando Tatis Jr. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. 
Fernando Tatis Jr.  [Image Credit: Imago/X]

Last year, San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. showed off his Dragon Ball Super Jordan cleats during a game. His cleats won over a lot of the MLB fan base and he was even seen wearing different types of cleats that season.

Jasson Dominguez

Jasson Dominguez
Jasson Dominguez [Image Credit: Play Station]

New York Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez listed his favorite anime in an interview in 2023. He said while he likes Hunter x Hunter, and Demon Slayer, his favorite to date remains Attack on Titan.

Luis Robert Jr.

Luis Robert Jr. [Image Credit: Inside the White Sox/X]
Luis Robert Jr. [Image Credit: Inside the White Sox/X]

Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. listed himself as one of the anime lovers in MLB with his iconic car being wrapped up in an anime-themed cover. His Lamborghini Aventador was captured being fully covered in a Naruto design.

Carlos Estevez

Carlos Estevez [Image Credit: ESPN/X]
Carlos Estevez [Image Credit: ESPN/X]

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Carlos Estevez loves anime so much that he even took his figurines collection to his clubhouse locker to show off to his teammates. He placed them all in line for the All-Star Game in 2023.

The locker features figures from his favorite shoes, such as Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, and Naruto. He said his favorite among all was Dragon Ball Z.

In case you missed: