The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd… and a gentle sip of matcha? Baseball took a fascinating detour when the Los Angeles Dodgers traveled to Tokyo to play the Chicago Cubs in March 2025. While the games promised high-stakes action, it became clear from the start that this trip was more than home runs and strikeouts. It offered a chance to bridge culture, blending the vibrant spirit of American sports with the rich traditions of Japan.

The Dodgers went on to win the series, but the celebratory spirit did not stop at the baseball diamond. Memorable moments popped up everywhere—from Shohei Ohtani’s generous dinner party for his new Dodgers teammates to viral clips of playful dugout antics. However, it wasn’t just the men in uniform who were enjoying Tokyo’s vibe; the wives of the Dodgers were also eager to immerse themselves in the Japanese culture. And they also had some unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered, especially surrounding Freddie Freeman‘s wife.

Chelsea Freeman dove into Japanese culture by taking part in a traditional tea ceremony. As she engaged in this experience, she found herself surrounded by elegant ritual and exquisite attire. Dressed in a striking red kimono that turned heads, she made her way to the ceremony with a stylish black umbrella. And, it didn’t take long for pictures of her to go viral.

While embracing the Japanese culture, Chelsea went into quite detail. It may sound surprising, but even the red kimono was not coincidental. In Japanese tradition, red symbolizes happiness, good luck, and protection against evil spirits. It is a color associated with weddings and celebrations. Although tea ceremonies typically feature more muted tones, Chelsea’s choice as an attendee was a bright expression of respect and positivity. She was given a “kimono makeover,” ensuring she was dressed appropriately.

Interestingly, this wasn’t her first brush with a different culture. For those who don’t know Chelsea, it’s kind of her thing. The Dodgers first baseman’s wife has a history of embracing diverse experiences. Back in January 2024, she and Freddie attended the Golden Globe Awards, mingling with celebrities like Taylor Swift. A year later, they celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary together in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Chelsea has always been eager to participate in such heartfelt moments whenever the opportunity arises.

Dodgers wives celebrate culture, inspiring connection

Chelsea may have been highlighted, but she wasn’t alone in exploring the culture and tradition in the Big Mikan.  She was joined by fellow Dodgers wives for the special tea ceremony, where they all posed together in kimonos for a picture that she later shared on Instagram.

Several Cubs’ wives also embraced the Japanese culture. Pitcher Justin Steele‘s wife, Libby Steele, was spotted around the city in a stunning kimono, alongside Seiya Suzuki‘s wife, Airi Hatakeyama, during the Tokyo Series. Their participations in such local customs reflect a growing desire among sports families to engage and celebrate cultural exchanges.

This appreciation extended beyond just one ceremony. The wives of Dodgers consistently showed their enthusiasm for engaging with different cultures, often alongside their husbands. Once, Mariana Vicente, wife of Kiké Hernández, playfully dressed up as her spouse during a themed party. It showcased their shared sense of humor and connection to the team’s lighter side. There have been many more such instances, and this time, Chelsea’s participation in the tea ceremony became a representation of this cross-cultural experience.

It was a beautiful moment that was captured and shared, showing the ability of cultural exchange to connect people. Want to see more moments of cultural appreciation and connection?