The World Baseball Classic has come to a close with Japan winning the championship. They played a disciplined and team-first style of baseball, working hard to make every single play count. This approach paid off with several Japanese stars shining in particular. Lars Nootbaar was one such star as his infectious energy and mindset of hustling on every play impacted the team. 

Nootbaar quickly gained popularity amongst his teammates and the Japanese people, with many replicating his pepper grinder celebration. He even developed a special relationship with his Samurai teammate, Shohei Ohtani. But although he enjoyed the atmosphere and the fans, Nootbaar was in a desperately funny situation on his first day. The star outfielder ended up emergency calling his mom. 

World Baseball Classic star Lars Nootbaar didn’t know how to flush the toilet in Japan

Lars Nootbaar ended up playing for Team Japan during the World Baseball Classic. He was able to do so because his mother is originally Japanese. The St. Louis Cardinals star loved the experience and Japanese fans embraced him. But Nootbaar was left in a sticky situation on his first day in Japan. He did not know how to flush the toilet due to the labels and buttons being in Japanese. The star outfielder ended up emergency calling his mother to ask for help. Twitter user Yakyu Cosmopolitan shared the story on Twitter.

In a Tweet, they said, “Lars Nootbaar had to make an emergency call to his mother on his first day in Japan because he didn’t know how to flush the toilet and the bullet train was about to leave.  Lars reportedly asked, ‘Mommy which button do I press?’” This a funny yet understandably difficult situation to be in. 

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But not knowing the Japanese did not prove to be much of an issue otherwise, as Nootbaar thrived at the WBC. He was able to communicate with his teammates with an interpreter and even made some inspiring speeches. It will be interesting to see how he performs during the 2023 MLB season. 

Nootbaar is expected to break out in the 2023 season

Lars Nootbaar only has 2 rather up-and-down MLB seasons under his belt. But experts predict he will have a breakthrough in the 2023 season. These expectations have heightened due to his great performance in the World Baseball Classic. The St. Louis Cardinals will be hoping that Nootbaar does indeed erupt in 2023 and provide them with an edge. 

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What do you think of Lars Nootbaar’s toilet trouble and his emergency call to his mom? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.