Japanese pitcher Sasaki Roki of the Los Angeles Dodgers has held a baseball class for children in a city hit hard by the Noto Peninsula earthquake in 2024.
Sasaki hosted the clinic on Sunday at a baseball stadium in Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The 24-year-old said he wanted to support children affected by the disaster, noting that he himself is a survivor of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
About 170 elementary school pupils from the Noto region took part. After warming up with Sasaki, the children played catch as he looked on and offered pitching tips to each of them.
During a distance-throwing activity, Sasaki's own throw struck a faraway fence, drawing cheers from the children.
A fourth-grade boy said Sasaki taught him the importance of stretching. He added that he hopes to one day throw a 160-kilometer-per-hour fastball like the star pitcher.
Sasaki recalled that retired professional players held a baseball class for him and other children after the 2011 disaster. He said he will consider what more he can do to support people in the affected areas and walk with them on the road to recovery.

Quiz 1:
In which city did Sasaki Roki hold a baseball class for children affected by a disaster?
A. Hiroshima
B. Suzu City
C. Tokyo
D. Fukushima

Quiz 2:
What was the age of Sasaki Roki at the time he held the baseball class in Suzu City?
A. 10 years old
B. 24 years old
C. 35 years old
D. Retired

Quiz 3:
What significant event did Sasaki Roki also survive as a child?
A. The Noto Peninsula earthquake
B. The Fukushima nuclear disaster
C. The Great East Japan Earthquake
D. The 2024 Tokyo Olympics