ARMY will have to wait until next year for BTS’s next musical release. In the meantime, devoted fans can enjoy watching V step onto the mound for the ceremonial first pitch at the Los Angeles Dodgers game on August 25.
Amid roaring applause at Dodger Stadium, V—dressed in relaxed, acid-washed jeans, a No. 7 Blake Snell jersey customized with “V” on the back, and a classic blue Dodgers cap—took a graceful bow before unleashing a crisp strike down the middle to catcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Watch the moment here.
The Dodgers shared a photo gallery of the event—dubbing him their “mVp”—featuring action shots, a snapshot with Yamamoto, and images alongside infielder Tommy Edman (#25), pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow, outfielder Kiké Hernández, and the team’s 2024 championship trophy. See the full album here.
As reported by the Associated Press, V energized the crowd with the classic call of “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” in English, then warmly greeted the young fans who dash onto the field before each home game to collect player autographs.
After his pitch, V had the opportunity to meet Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani in person and even FaceTimed rookie Kim Hye-seong—nicknamed “The Comet” for his speed—who was sidelined in Oklahoma for treatment. “Hello, I’m a fan,” Hye-seong said, to which V replied, “It’s an honor.”
“I heard you couldn’t make it because of your injury,” V told him. “Yes, that’s right,” Hye-seong confirmed. “I wanted to be there so badly.” V lamented that missing the chance to meet the speedy second baseman and shortstop was unfortunate, promising they would connect again when both are in Los Angeles.
Though a bit nervous beforehand, V assured his friend, “I’ll do my best to throw today,” adding that he hoped to learn pitching tips from him someday. Hye-seong offered to give V some pointers in return.
With all seven BTS members—Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook—now having completed their mandatory military service, the group is poised to reunite after a three-year hiatus. RM recently shared with ARMY that he’s been “working diligently” on plans for their next album and world tour, both slated for next year.
