LOS ANGELES (AP) — V, a member of the globally popular K-pop group BTS, took the spotlight at a Los Angeles Dodgers game Monday evening by delivering the ceremonial first pitch, following a brief meeting with baseball star Shohei Ohtani.

Once on the mound, V offered a respectful bow toward Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who then caught a clean pitch from the left-handed singer. Throughout the moment, enthusiastic cheers from BTS fans echoed around the stadium.

V followed up by enthusiastically declaring, “It’s time for Dodger baseball!” in English. He also greeted the young fans on the field who gather before the game to collect autographs from players.

Known offstage as Kim Taehyung, V had a short embrace and exchange with Ohtani in the dugout before the Dodgers faced the Cincinnati Reds. Wearing a Dodgers No. 7 jersey tucked casually into his jeans, V was seen sharing a few words with Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow while surrounded by photographers. Fans erupted into screams as V entered the dugout, prompting him to wave in response.

He later returned to the field to throw a few left-handed warmup pitches, as fans eagerly recorded the moment with their phones raised.

The event comes as BTS prepares to reunite for a full-group album release expected next spring, following the members’ temporary hiatus for South Korea's compulsory military service. Since July, the band has been based in the U.S. focusing on new musical projects.