BTS’s V made headlines with a successful ceremonial first pitch at a Major League Baseball (MLB) game in the United States—bringing not only charm to the field but also a massive spike in ticket sales.
On August 26th (KST), V took the mound at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles to throw the first pitch ahead of the game between the LA Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. Clad in a Dodgers jersey and greeted by a roaring crowd, V delivered a poised and cheerful pitch as BTS’s hit track “MIC Drop” played throughout the stadium.
Shortly afterward, V returned to the field to shout the Dodgers’ iconic phrase, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!”—a line made famous by legendary broadcaster Vin Scully. His confident delivery ignited excitement across the stadium.
Yet what truly underscored his global influence was the impact on ticket sales. Following the announcement that V would appear as the game’s ceremonial pitcher, major ticketing platform StubHub reported a more than fivefold increase in ticket sales for the game. The platform even experienced a temporary server overload due to the overwhelming traffic.
Broadcasters at the scene commented, “V is a global sensation. The moment his appearance was announced, ticket sales skyrocketed. He is, without a doubt, a top-tier star.” They praised his throwing mechanics as well, saying, “He threw a fantastic breaking ball—good enough for a contract on the spot.”
Speaking through his agency BigHit Music, V shared, “I remember watching a Dodgers game here with the members when we first debuted. It was nostalgic and fun to return. Throwing the first pitch at a place filled with early debut memories made the experience even more meaningful. I’d love to learn properly and do it again if I get another opportunity. Thank you to ARMY and all the baseball fans for your passionate support.”
V’s presence not only united K-pop fandoms and sports fans alike but also reaffirmed his powerful global brand. Beyond music, he continues to expand his influence as the face of high-end fashion, global beverage campaigns, and premium lifestyle brands.
Meanwhile, BTS is currently working on new music, with plans to return as a full group in spring 2026, followed by a large-scale world tour.
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