Yoshinobu Yamamoto Crosses Over with "Yoshi" – Dodgers Release Exclusive Bobblehead Honoring Their Ace

“Yoshi, meet Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Yoshinobu, this is Yoshi.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ ace pitcher is stepping into the “Mario Universe.” By the end of the month, he will join forces with the beloved dinosaur from Nintendo’s Super Mario franchise to debut a one-of-a-kind bobblehead. On Tuesday, March 31 (U.S. time), during the Dodgers’ game against the Cleveland Guardians, the first 40,000 fans entering the stadium will receive this bobblehead blending elements of Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Yoshi.

This bobblehead is a special collaboration celebrating the U.S. release of “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie” on April 1. The Yoshi figure wears Yamamoto’s white home jersey and the classic Dodger blue cap. Yamamoto’s number 18 is displayed on the back of Yoshi’s iconic shell, and the adorable dinosaur also wears a blue baseball glove.

This is not the only Yamamoto-themed giveaway for the Dodgers’ 2026 season. On May 27, fans will receive a special “Game 7 Final Out” bobblehead commemorating Yamamoto’s legendary performance in last October’s World Series Game 7 that secured the second consecutive championship. On September 5, the Dodgers will also distribute a Yamamoto “Starting Series” bobblehead as part of the team’s tribute series honoring the starting rotation.