Tokyo, Japan – On March 21, 2025, Los Angeles Dodgers utility star Enrique “Kiké” Hernández delivered a performance for the ages at the Tokyo Dome, dazzling fans and cementing his reputation as one of baseball’s most versatile and clutch performers during the MLB’s Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs. In a thrilling display of skill and adaptability, Hernández stepped up in the absence of injured first baseman Freddie Freeman, proving once again why he’s earned the nickname “Mr. October”—and now, perhaps, “Mr. Tokyo”—on an international stage.
The series, marking the start of the 2025 MLB season, saw Hernández thrust into the spotlight when Freeman was scratched from the lineup due to rib discomfort just before Game 1. Manager Dave Roberts shifted Hernández from his planned outfield role to first base, a position he’s played sparingly but mastered with characteristic flair. While Game 1 saw him go hitless in five at-bats, Hernández erupted in Game 2, launching a two-run homer in the fourth inning off Cubs pitcher Justin Steele—a 146 km/h fastball he sent soaring into the left-field stands. The blast extended the Dodgers’ lead to 5-1, electrifying the Tokyo crowd and underscoring his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments.
“It felt amazing,” Hernández said post-game in an interview with MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds. “After not doing much in Game 1, I told myself I had to step up tonight. Playing first base, I figured slugging one out was the right move.” He didn’t stop there, adding a sacrifice fly earlier in the game for a total of three RBIs, showcasing both power and situational awareness. His performance helped secure a Dodgers victory, with reliever Landon Knack earning the win and Alex Vesia locking down the save.
Hernández’s versatility has long been his calling card. Since debuting with the Houston Astros in 2014, the 33-year-old Puerto Rican has played every position except pitcher and catcher across stints with the Miami Marlins, Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox. His 2024 season stats—12 home runs, 42 RBIs, and a .229/.281/.654 slash line—belie his postseason heroics, including a game-winning homer in Game 5 of the 2024 NLDS against the San Diego Padres. In Tokyo, that playoff prowess translated to the global stage, where he thrived under the bright lights and a “party-like” atmosphere, as he described it.
The Tokyo Series, a cultural bridge between MLB and Japan’s passionate baseball fandom, gave Hernández a chance to shine beyond American borders. Between team outings and the electric energy of the Dome, he embraced the experience fully. “It’s quiet when you’re pitching, then a total party when you’re hitting,” he noted, grinning. “I loved every second of it.” His homer wasn’t just a highlight for Dodgers fans—it resonated with Japanese audiences who’ve long revered multi-tool players like Shohei Ohtani, now his teammate.
Social media lit up with praise. “Kiké Hernández is a global treasure—Tokyo just got a taste of what we’ve known forever,” one fan posted on X. Another added, “From San Diego to Tokyo, this guy’s elite versatility is unreal.” Analysts, too, took note, with some suggesting his Tokyo showing could elevate his role if Freeman’s injury lingers into the regular season.
For Hernández, the moment was personal as well as professional. Having capped 2024 with a World Series ring, he returns to the U.S. with a strong start to 2025 and memories of a city that embraced him. As the Dodgers eye another title run, Hernández’s Tokyo triumph proves he’s not just a utility player—he’s a star who rises to any occasion, anywhere in the world.
