Mario throws first pitch at pro Japanese baseball game with lore-accurate throw

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Nintendo is bringing the fun of Mario Superstar Baseball to life through a collaboration with Japan’s professional baseball league.

To celebrate Mario’s 40th anniversary, a major gaming company is sponsoring all home games for each of the 12 teams in Japan’s professional baseball league from April 29th to June 21st.

This event features exciting collaborations between the world of Mario and baseball! Fans of all ages can enjoy unique elements like bases designed like question blocks, and even run the bases themselves after each game.

What’s more, Mario himself is throwing the first pitch for each home game. ‘Wahoo!’

Yokohama Baystars lose 10-0 after Mario throws first pitch

On May 5th, Mario had the honor of throwing the first pitch at the Yokohama Baystars’ home game against the Hiroshima Carp at Yokohama Stadium.

A video of a plumber demonstrating his pitching technique is becoming popular in Japan. His method was a bit unusual for a professional baseball player – he tossed an underhand pitch that bounced once before reaching the catcher’s glove.

People who play Mario immediately recognized this movement – it’s just like when a character throws fireballs after getting the Fire Flower, briefly lifting off the ground before bouncing.

『スーパーマリオブラザーズ40周年 × プロ野球12球団』

セレモニアルピッチにマリオが登場し、投球を披露しました⚾️#baystars

— 横浜DeNAベイスターズ (@ydb_yokohama) May 6, 2026

Mario wasn’t the only Nintendo character there! Luigi and Princess Peach also made an appearance to say hello to fans at the Basegate entertainment complex. To celebrate the event, the Baystars cheerleaders even wore hats inspired by Toad.

It seems Mario’s visit to the Baystars game might have been unlucky for the home team, who lost badly to the Hiroshima Carp with a final score of 10-0.

『スーパーマリオブラザーズ40周年 × プロ野球12球団』

本日は、マリオ、ルイージ、ピーチがハマスタに登場！✨#baystars

— 横浜DeNAベイスターズ (@ydb_yokohama) May 6, 2026

Mario and his friends will be making appearances at home games over the next month, up until June 21st. Nintendo is clearly pulling out all the stops to celebrate Mario’s 40th anniversary, which happens to fall in the same year as Pokémon’s 30th. This has led to new movies, partnerships with other brands, and lots of merchandise – though unfortunately, much of it is already being sold at inflated prices.

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2026-05-08 21:20