Shota Imanaga, the veteran Japanese pitching star, arrived in the Windy City this month with dreams in his eyes and a surprising request on his lips. Before pulling on the iconic Chicago Cubs‘ blue with the coveted #18 stitched across his back, he wanted one man’s blessing.

For Imanaga, wearing #18 isn’t just a random play of fate. Japan reserves it for its revered aces, a badge once sported by legends like Daisuke Matsuzaka and now adorning rising phenoms like Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But for Imanaga, it held a different allure—the echo of Ben Zobrist’s legacy.

Chicago Cubs’ Shota Imanaga chooses Zobrist’s #18

Zobrist, the 2016 World Series champion with the Cubs, is notorious for his versatility and clutch hits. Ben embodies everything the “Throwing Philosopher” aspires to be. “He played a lot of roles,” Shota Imanaga said, his voice translated by Cubs’ engineer, Shingo Murata (reported by a Cubs Beat newsletter). “He did whatever it takes to help the team win.”

Imanaga devoured footage of the team’s 2016 championship run, watching the parade of millions. Zobrist, with his go-ahead runs double in Game 7, became a beacon that season, crucial in ending the Cubbies’ 108-year-long disappointing World Series drought. Before the world knew, the Japanese ace contacted the former Cubs’ MVP with the help of Imanaga’s representatives, seeking Zobrist’s nod for the #18 jersey.

“He honored me,” Zobrist confessed, the respect evident in his voice. “Coming from an honor culture, that means a lot.” For him, it was never just about the number. It was about the gesture—the respect from a young player across the globe—acknowledging the spirit of a championship team. “That’s amazing,” Zobrist added, with a touch of wistfulness lingering in his tone.

Watch This Story: These Top 5 Eye-Raising MLB Contracts Will Definitely Leave You Stunned

But this isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past. Zobrist sees the potential in Shota Imanaga, the talent that earned him the $53 million contract, along with jersey #18. “It’s not my number,” Zobrist declares with a smile. “It’s the Cubs’. And I hope he brings the next championship here.”

Imanaga knows the weight of this mantle. The expectations won’t escape him. He knows that he isn’t just inheriting a jersey—he is embracing its legacy. The echoes of Zobrist’s bat’s cracks and the cheers of millions linger in the fabric of #18. But Imanaga, with his quiet respect and a fiery determination, is ready to partake in the Blue Bears’ storied narrative.

Read More: Shota Imanaga’s Instant Connection to the North Side, Crucial Reason Behind His Chicago Cubs Decision

From samurai bats to Wrigley’s ivy, respect builds a bridge across continents. Baseball, at its heart, remains a tapestry woven with history, humility, and a shared hunger for victory. Shota Imanaga understands this, as he joins the ranks of those chasing dreams across the globe. With Ben Zobrist’s blessing on his back, he is ready to take the mound and paint his own masterpiece in shades of blue and white.