Kazuma Okamoto's Blue Jays Dugout Ritual Is Catching Attention
The Toronto Blue Jays finished their three-game home series against the Cleveland Guardians with a win on Sunday, still trying to find some rhythm late in April but with signs of improvement beginning to show after an uneven start to the season.
Before the weekend capper against the Guardians got going, attention briefly shifted to what was happening inside the Jays' dugout.
It turns out that Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto has introduced a routine that has quickly become part of the team's daily rhythm and is helping everyone bond together.
The pregame ritual features all players and staff forming a circle, with each participant sharing something they are thankful for in that moment. The group then bows together before breaking.
The gesture that they have been doing since they faced the Los Angeles Angels on the road before the Guardians series.
The clip shared by Sportsnet went viral amid the Blue Jays' win over Cleveland, gathering nearly 1,500 likes and 15,000 likes while capturing players such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Eloy Jiménez smiling and participating alongside coaches and staff.
Manager John Schneider said the routine has played a role in helping Okamoto settle into a new environment after more than a decade in Japan.
"I think it makes Kaz feel a little bit more welcome, or just a little bit more part of it," Schneider said.
Kazuma Okamoto has started the trend of hosting a gratitude circle in the dugout before every game pic.twitter.com/DMt8lTyRLm
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 26, 2026
Okamoto, who joined Toronto last January after spending 11 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants, said the support from teammates has been great since his arrival.
"My teammates have been awesome," Okamoto said. "They welcomed me with open arms since Day 1, and they've had my back through the ups and downs."
The Blue Jays will remain home to host the Boston Red Sox in a three-game series starting on Monday, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:07 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 8:21 AM.