MLB, the pinnacle of baseball, recently saw a game on August 22 that unexpectedly grabbed the attention of anime fans worldwide. St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jorden Walker stepped up to the plate against the Philadelphia Phillies wielding a bat emblazoned with the iconic Akatsuki symbol from "Naruto"!
And in the top of the 6th inning, he blasted a two-run homer! This instantly sparked a frenzy online, with many fans dubbing it "Chakra Baseball" and making it a viral sensation.
This custom-made Akatsuki bat, perfectly matching the Cardinals' team colors, is just one piece of Jorden Walker's impressive collection. Bringing it to the plate immediately made him the center of attention. Even MLB's official X (formerly Twitter) account shared photos, proclaiming that Walker "showed the power of Akatsuki" as he smashed an opposite-field home run to right field during the game.
Normally, players can't use bats like this. However, it was during MLB's special Players' Weekend. This special event allows players to break free from regular equipment restrictions, letting them use personalized gear like bats, shoes, and gloves to showcase their unique style on the field.
Jorden Walker seized the opportunity to pull out this bat. He also owns a "SpongeBob SquarePants" bat, both custom-made additions to his collection.
Jorden Walker is a self-proclaimed Japanese anime fan. He's even mentioned in interviews that his favorite Pokémon is Dialga. And of course, "Naruto" holds a special place in his heart. The Cardinals' official X account previously posted photos of him excitedly receiving a team-Naruto collaboration jersey, proving his genuine love for the series.
While these special bats are only allowed during the annual Players' Weekend, it's a fantastic way to catch a glimpse of these top baseball stars' personal interests. And let's be real, hitting a home run with a bat like that? Talk about a conversation starter!