Photo: Shota Imanaga surprises Cubs fan photographer with Dunkin iced latte for being supportive
Chicago Cubs ace Shota Imanaga has been impressive during his first season in the big leagues. Across 20 starts so far, the lefty has compiled an 8-2 record with a 3.09 ERA across 116.1 innings.
While he works hard on his craft, Imanaga understands he is not the only person working hard at Wrigley Field. He showed up to the field on Friday with two Dunkin' Donuts iced coffees, giving one to Sam Bernero, a Cubs fan photographer.
Bernero is a huge Cubs fan and often takes pictures of players arriving at the stadium and sharing them on his social media. It was a special moment that Bernero will not forget anytime soon.
"OMG! OMG!! [He] just gave me a Dunkin iced latte! He arrived with two cups and said this one for you and handed me on. Im in shock! Made my day! What a great memory I have!" Bernero tweeted.
While this seems like a small gesture, it was something that made Bernero's day.
Shota Imanaga loves Dunkin' Donuts iced lattes
If you look back at many of the photos Sam Bernero has posted of Shota Imanaga, he typically can be seen holding an iced latte. The Cubs ace is fueled by coffee and has been pretty open about it.
In May, he told reporters that he only leaves his house to get Dunkin' Donuts.
“If I’m being honest, I haven’t really walked around too much,” Imanaga said through interpreter Edwin Stanberry (h/t Marquee Sports Network). “I’ve been going from the field back to my house. The only time I really go out anywhere is buying my latte at Dunkin Donuts. Hopefully, I can keep doing well and keep putting up stats, so people recognize me while I’m walking around.”
Imanaga added that he can never make up his mind on the size that he wants, swapping between smalls and mediums.
This season, Imanaga has put himself in contention to win NL Rookie of the Year alongside Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes.