Legendary Manager Takes the Field: Atsuya Furuta Throws First Pitch, Lovullo Catches in Unforgettable Dodgers-Diamondbacks Showdown
National League Diamondbacks vs Dodgers: Atsuya Furuta Throws Ceremonial First Pitch
Atsuya Furuta, a former manager of the Yakult Swallows and a baseball commentator, threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Diamondbacks-Dodgers game held at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona on September 2, 2024 (September 3, Japan time).
Furuta served as a temporary coach at the request of his former Yakult colleague, Diamondbacks manager Lovullo, during last spring’s training camp and this spring’s training camp. He pitched with Lovullo as the catcher. The ball he threw from the front of the mound was a high-ball, but it landed in Lovullo’s mitt without any bounce. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was watching from the bench and applauded Furuta.