Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Classy Gesture to Vlad Guerrero Jr. in 11th Inning Loved By Fans

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The Dodgers were able to win their second straight World Series title on Saturday night by beating the Blue Jays 5-4 in a legendary Game 7 at the Rogers Centre.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who pitched six innings in Los Angeles' Game 6 win on Friday night, entered Game 7 with one out in the bottom of the ninth and then worked 2 2/3 scoreless innings to lead the Dodgers to their dramatic victory. He was named the World Series MVP for his heroic efforts, which also included a complete game gem in Game 2.
The righthander had a very subtle classy move in the bottom of the 11th inning that the Fox Sports cameras were able to pick up. Yamamoto was seen tipping his cap to Toronto's Vlad Guerrero Jr. as the slugger prepared to step into the batter's box with his team trailing by a run.
Here's how that played out:
Yamamoto tipping his hat to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as he stepped up to the plate
— Platinum Key (@PlatinumKey13) November 2, 2025
This game is awesome. pic.twitter.com/triJcp1OGx
That was such a great moment at such a pivotal moment of the game. Guerrero would go on to hit a double but then Yamamoto was able to close things out thanks to a double play that was brilliantly turned by Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts.
WON IT ALL. #WORLDSERIES pic.twitter.com/rYb9LEi5Pn
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) November 2, 2025
Yamamoto gave up just one hit and had one walk in his relief appearance. He finished his second season with the Dodgers with a 12-8 record and then really became a force in the postseason. Along with his complete game in the World Series, he also had a complete game win over the Brewers in the NLCS.
Fans loved that hat tip from Yamamoto:
Was missed by many, but this was the coolest moment of the night. A show of respect, an acknowledgment of the moment, and the purity of sport all wrapped up in a tip of the cap https://t.co/nm8ozJwv3f
— David Rush (@davidmrush) November 2, 2025
yamamoto is a class act. doing this right before he ripped their hearts out https://t.co/REHNH55XGC
— semi-retired kriz (@ellezirkpdx) November 2, 2025
Game recognizes game! I grew up playing baseball and moments like this made me love the game more. 💯💯💯 https://t.co/chVgd2aR0b
— Charles “Buck” Arbuckle (@CharlesArbuckle) November 2, 2025
This is the problem with the Dodgers. I hate the Dodgers. But there are a lot of guys on that team that you just can't hate. Class gesture by Yamamoto. https://t.co/iafK9Rl07q
— Bill Arnold (@TheProphetBill) November 2, 2025
Didn’t notice this watching the game, very very cool! https://t.co/mAHQD85rGC
— Ed McDonnell (@EJM) November 2, 2025
Yoshinobu Yamamoto has my utmost respect. Otherworldly performance to win the World Series. https://t.co/nDVdmAqp1J
— ray (@TheNameRay) November 2, 2025
What a beautiful sport. https://t.co/LxQXF4ISG4
— R. Taylor Raborn (@rtraborn) November 2, 2025
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Andy Nesbitt is the assistant managing editor of audience engagement at Sports Illustrated. He works closely with the Breaking and Trending News team to shape SI’s daily coverage across all sports. A 20-year veteran of the sports media business, he has worked for Fox Sports, For the Win, The Boston Globe and NBC Sports, having joined SI in February 2023. Nesbitt is a golf fanatic who desperately wants to see the Super Bowl played on a Saturday night.
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