Two years ago, a clip of Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters right fielder Chusei Mannami throwing out a runner at the plate during a game against the Orix Buffaloes went viral on social media.

The highlight spread online as fans from outside Japan marveled at the power and precision of Mannami’s laser beam from the outfield.

For some, it might have been an introduction to Japanese baseball beyond Shohei Ohtani or the World Baseball Classic. It may have even sparked a curiosity about the game in Japan among some people.