Son Heung-min Delivers Flawless Ceremonial First Pitch, Wows Crowd at Dodgers Stadium

Son Heung-min Delivers Flawless Ceremonial First Pitch, Wows Crowd at Dodgers Stadium

LAFC's South Korean sensation Son Heung-min continues his journey toward becoming a beloved Los Angeles sports figure, a status that seems increasingly certain following the confirmation of his Major League Soccer move.

Beyond winning over supporters with his on-field performances, including a spectacular free-kick goal that marked his debut strike in LAFC colors, his ceremonial throw at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday captured the imagination of baseball enthusiasts nationwide.

Son performed the honorary first pitch before the LA Dodgers took on the Cincinnati Reds. Sports fans are all too familiar with disastrous ceremonial throws—think 50 Cent's infamous attempt with the New York Mets in 2014—but Son remained composed under pressure.

The gifted athlete delivered a perfect strike directly over home plate, which was expertly caught by two-time Cy Young recipient Blake Snell as the stadium erupted in appreciation. Snell approached to congratulate Son and pose for photos while microphones captured his praise for the LAFC standout.

"Effortless! That was excellent, truly excellent! Straight down the center, flawless," Snell declared. "I didn't need to adjust my mitt at all." Son expressed gratitude to Snell for helping him feel at ease during the moment, before taking the microphone to energize the crowd for the upcoming match.

Son received VIP treatment throughout the evening, enjoying a comprehensive tour of the Dodger facilities and locker room as LAFC shared images of him alongside figures like skipper Dave Roberts, Freddie Freeman, and the numerous trophies the storied organization has earned.

Whether Son will eventually have the opportunity to perform similar duties at an Angels contest remains uncertain, but currently he's embraced Dodger blue and appears destined to become a cherished figure not only in MLS, but throughout American sports culture.