![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w372/mlb/vfmbhypwxut9nmb3dzit.jpg)
Lars Nootbaar has his own ramen in Tokyo
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/uploads/imported_images/uploads/2023/02/np_file_209632.jpeg)
Lars Nootbaar's mother hopes son can help bring WBC title back to
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uKZfjLNVFPI/mqdefault.jpg)
How Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar became an instant fan favorite for
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://p.potaufeu.asahi.com/4729-p/picture/27466818/1b8457e891164c6eaa98cfc946ca5ec5.jpg)
Saitama town, grandpa go wild as Nootbaar plays 'Cinderella
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/03/08/13/WBC_Baseball_Japan_94876.jpg?quality=75&height=166&fit=bounds&format=pjpg&crop=16%3A9%2Coffset-y0.5&auto=webp)
Ohtani's Japan teammates, like Lars Nootbaar, are also fans
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://p.potaufeu.asahi.com/102f-p/picture/27341560/ddae52fd3cdfeeb2e0f63a1591c352bc.jpg)
BASEBALL/ 'Nikkei' Lars Nootbaar gets his shot to play for Japan
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2023/03/a7ca9-16784884240029-1920.jpg)
MLB Twitter reacts to Lars Nootbaar hyping up Team Japan in
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/03/08/13/WBC_Baseball_Japan_32161.jpg?quality=75&height=166&fit=bounds&format=pjpg&crop=16%3A9%2Coffset-y0.5&auto=webp)
Ohtani's Japan teammates, like Lars Nootbaar, are also fans
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q_WbUuYjO1k/maxresdefault.jpg)
Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar playing with Shohei Ohtani & Japan, his
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Jm9bEizIGBE/maxresdefault.jpg)
Cardinals OF Lars Nootbaar Can't Understand Japan Teammates At WBC
![BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of Japanese fans](https://p.potaufeu.asahi.com/3119-p/picture/27454927/bf18c1d4403d053602da2f82b4d16f86.jpg)
BASEBALL/ Nootbaar a.k.a. 'Tatsuji' captures hearts and minds of