The best moments in major leagues aren’t always about what happens on the field. Sometimes, they unfold in the stands, just like Justin Turner’s viral fan interaction. During the 2025 MLB World Tour: Tokyo Series, Chicago Cubs veteran Justin Turner found himself at the center of a viral, heartwarming exchange with Japanese fans.
When the Chicago Cubs took on the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers at Tokyo Dome, two young girls drew Turner’s attention in the most adorable way possible. They were wearing red beards like him, trying to recreate his signature look. Turner is always known to address such fan moments.
And naturally, he walked over to the kids with a huge smile, called them forward, posed for pictures, and had an interaction with them. An AWEEE moment, indeed. Have you watched the video yet?
Justin Turner saw two young Japanese fans wearing a beard like his & wanted to meet them
(: Cubs) pic.twitter.com/G18MsVcSbr
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) March 16, 2025
Turner has a down-to-earth personality and a deep appreciation for his fans. From his tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers to now leading the Chicago Cubs, he’s naturally someone who values the relationships that baseball fosters.
For all who witnessed this cute interaction at Tokyo Dome, it wasn’t just about seeing Justin Turner. It was more about being seen by him. And for Turner, it was a reminder of why baseball is more than just the scores; it’s all about fans who make it special.
Cubs rookie Matt Shaw gears up for his MLB debut in an unexpected yet familiar place—Tokyo?
Naturally, for most of the Cubs players, entering the Tokyo Dome was a whole new experience. But for Matt Shaw, it was a familiar place. Throwback to a few months ago—he was here with Team USA for the Premier12 tournament, immersing in the crowd’s energy. He’s back again, and this time he’s about to make his MLB debut against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“It definitely helps,” Shaw said. “Being on the field before, knowing what to expect—it takes away some of the nerves.”And to be fair, debuting in the majors is gut-wrenching enough.
More than to make an appearance, Shaw is here having a real shot at locking down the Cubs’ third base job. While Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson are set in the middle infield, the Chicago Cubs challenged Shaw to shift to third. He didn’t just accept this challenge; he basically thrived and secured All-World Team honors during Premier12.
During the Sunday exhibition win against the Yomiuri Giants, Shaw smashed a 100 mph single to bring in two runs. A gentle reminder of what he offers to the lineup. Shaw’s rise has been swift. He was drafted in the first round in 2023 and shot through the minors in exactly two seasons.
That was just a sneak peek of what Shaw has been up to in the previous two years. Last season, during the minors, he recorded a legit .284/.379/.488 with 21 home runs. He made it evident once again that he’s an elite-level hitter. The mix of power, speed, and plate discipline in a player is exactly what the Chicago Cubs require in their roster.
Adding to that belief, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell said, “Matt has earned this.” He added, “Every challenge we’ve thrown at him, he’s met.” Now taking that first big-league at-bat, in front of the entire Tokyo Dome, the world is watching. Are you?
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