Toronto Blue Jays' Kazuma Okamoto on a heater as teammates embrace 'Circle of Gratitude'
Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto is settling into life in a new country and league, and a unique team ritual is helping him find his footing.
Baseball has always been a sport rooted in routine. Whether players describe them as habits or superstitions, these rituals often help build chemistry and consistency.
As Kazuma Okamoto has grown more comfortable with his Toronto Blue Jays teammates, that sense of connection has led to the creation of a new shared tradition.
Before Sunday’s game, Okamoto stood in the center of the dugout, surrounded by teammates in a circle.
The group has adopted a pregame routine where players and coaches take turns expressing something they’re grateful for. After each person speaks, the group bows together.
The ritual first took shape during a road trip to Anaheim and has continued to gain traction.
Kazuma Okamoto has started the trend of hosting a gratitude circle in the dugout before every game 🙏
More players and staff have begun to join, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at times, with Eloy Jiménez often nearby enjoying the moment.
The expressions of gratitude vary widely. On one occasion, a participant shared appreciation for something as simple as potstickers.
Following Saturday’s win over the Cleveland Guardians, Okamoto joked that he was thankful for the reporters covering the team.
Speaking with The Athletic’s Mitch Bannon, Okamoto shared how much the support from his teammates and the organization has meant to him.
“My teammates have been awesome,” Okamoto said through his interpreter, Yusuke Oshima. “They welcomed me with open arms since Day 1, and they’ve had my back through the ups and downs.”
Okamoto's growing sense of comfort is also translating into performance.
Prior to going hitless in Sunday’s 4–2 victory, which secured Toronto’s second straight series win , Okamoto had recorded nine hits, including three home runs, along with a 1.274 OPS over his previous seven games.
Kazuma Okamoto in the last calendar week (April 19th-26th)
25 PA's
.350/.480/.850
1.330 OPS
3 HR
20.0 BB%/28.0 K%
93.6 MPH avEV
69.2% Hard-Hit rate
46.2% FB%
.604 xwOBA
254 wRC+
1.330 OPS
3 HR
20.0 BB%/28.0 K%
93.6 MPH avEV
69.2% Hard-Hit rate
46.2% FB%
.604 xwOBA
254 wRC+
Not a bust.
Okamoto has also become very comfortable at the hot corner, where he has been very busy, and making it look easy with confidence and consistency so far this season.
Kazuma Okamoto makes the throw from his knees 🔥
For that reason, Schneider hopes the Jays keep bonding through their expressions of gratitude.
“I can tell you I’m thankful for Kaz,” Schneider said.
Okamoto’s on-field success appears closely tied to his growing confidence and comfort within the team environment.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how the “Circle of Gratitude” evolves, who continues to take part, and what impact it may have not just on Okamoto, but on the team as a whole.
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