Rejoice, baseball fans, because the MLB regular season started earlier than ever in 2025.

The 2025 MLB season has officially kicked off with the historic Tokyo Series between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. This series not only marks the start of the regular season earlier than ever, but it also showcases the globalization of Major League Baseball (MLB) as it continues to extend its reach beyond American borders. On March 18, in a packed Tokyo Dome, the reigning World Series champion Dodgers clinched the first game against the Cubs with a decisive 4-1 victory, largely thanks to strong performances from their Japanese stars, including Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Ohtani, the face of baseball in Japan, knocked in two hits and displayed the nerves that somehow seemed absent in his typically composed demeanor. It's noteworthy that for Ohtani, playing a regular-season game back in his homeland was an emotionally significant experience, making even the most seasoned players feel the weight of expectations. As he mentioned, it had been a long time since he felt such nervous anticipation before a game, highlighting the unique pressure that comes with representing one’s home country. Wednesday's matchup promises to be just as exciting, featuring rookie Roki Sasaki making his debut for the Dodgers against the Cubs. The Tokyo Series signifies a broader trend in which MLB aims not merely to attract international fans but to integrate them into the heart of the game. With two Japanese pitchers facing off for the first time on Opening Day, there is a palpable sense of pride and excitement within the Japanese community and among fans worldwide. However, the season hasn’t been without its challenges. The Tampa Bay Rays and Colorado Rockies will have to wait an extra day to start their seasons due to Hurricane Milton affecting Tropicana Field. This serves as a reminder of the unpredictability inherent in sports, where scheduling can often take unexpected turns. As the remainder of the league looks forward to their respective Opening Days starting on March 27 for 26 teams, the Dodgers and Cubs' international series raises the bar for how MLB can innovate and attract a global audience. In summary, the beginning of the 2025 MLB season encapsulates a moment of excitement not only for the teams involved but for baseball as a whole. With a focus on bridging cultures through the sport, the Tokyo Series represents a celebration of baseball's universal impact. This article has been analyzed and reviewed by artificial intelligence, highlighting the significance of the game in a global context and the ongoing evolution of MLB as it enters an exciting new era.