They say inspiration can be found anywhere, only if one is prepared to look for it. 2022’s AL Rookie of the Year found it in anime. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world over, the population of anime watchers has grown exponentially. But then, there are some like Seattle Mariners’ young phenom Julio Rodriguez, an OG anime-lover.

J-Rod performed exceptionally well in his MLB debut year, so much so that the Mariners trusted him with a 14-year contract with an extension worth up to $400 million. Although it may not be as explosive as his rookie season, the outfielder’s hot streak continues this year. But one may wonder, what inspires him to get up to the plate every day? What inspires him, at such a young age, to dream big?

The answer lies in Naruto

Masashi Kishimoto’s shonen manga and its consequent adaptation have won the hearts of kids and adults alike. What fan hasn’t uttered the phrase “Dattebayo!” or its popular English translation, “Believe it!” at least once in their lives? Incredibly popular all over the world, Naruto has inspired its fans to never be afraid to dream big. Julio Rodriguez is one of them.

“Naruto’s my favorite anime. He was basically a nobody and he became the most important person when he was nobody. He basically worked his way out to prove to everybody that he was worthy of that,” the Mariners star tells MLB Life. Some may not agree with this assessment because, SPOILER ALERT, as it turned out, he was the son of the Fourth Hokage. Not to mention a jinchuriki.

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But these facts only helped him much later in life. Before then, almost everyone in Konoha gave him the cold shoulder and the young boy had to prove his worth through his achievements and back-breaking hard work. A ‘nobody’ who wanted to become the village leader, Naruto dreamt big. That is exactly what J-Rod wants to aim for. “I want to be able to project that like, if you have a dream, just go chase it.”

“I started watching anime when I was a kid. I feel like, as long as I can remember, I was up watching anime…a lot of people would say, ‘Oh you’re watching a cartoon,’ but, are you listening to what this cartoon is saying?” Rodriguez adds. Don’t belittle anyone for their interests. You never know where or when a passion might prove helpful.

With his 2nd All-Star selection, Julio Rodriguez joins a special Seattle Mariners club

Even though he wasn’t selected on his first try, J-Rod is joining his second consecutive All-Star roster this year. With excellent stats on the field, it’s no wonder he was chosen as a replacement for Houston Astros’ Yordan Álvarez. And his age is precisely what makes him part of an exclusive Mariners club. At just 22 years old, he is already on multiple All-Star rosters!

Ken Griffey Jr., who is arguably one of the best to come out of Seattle, and Alex Rodriguez are the other two members. Although A-Rod may be best known for his time with the New York Yankees, his journey to greatness started in Seattle only.

Seems like the Mariners’ other Rodriguez is also ready to take the MLB world by storm!

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