The atmosphere at the St. Louis Cardinals’ spring training camp became somber when Lars Nootbaar shared this personal news, moving many teammates and fans.
In a conversation with the media, the 27-year-old player revealed that the cancer his mother had overcome years ago has returned. Although the family is working hard with doctors to treat her, Kumiko’s health condition makes traveling long distances or sitting for extended periods in the stands very difficult.
“Honestly, I don’t know how this season will turn out,” Nootbaar said, his voice choked with emotion. “My mother always tries to be strong, but the doctors say she needs more rest. Maybe she won’t be able to come to the game to cheer me on anymore.”
For Nootbaar, his mother is not only family but also his greatest inspiration in his baseball career.
Born in California to a Japanese mother, Nootbaar grew up with the unwavering support of his parents. His mother, Kumiko, was a regular at his games from high school until he entered Major League Baseball.
Cardinals fans still remember Kumiko sitting in the stands with a radiant smile, waving and cheering whenever her son stepped up to the batting area.
“She’s Lars’ number one supporter,” a longtime team employee shared. “There wasn’t a single major game she didn’t try to make it to.”
When Nootbaar made his MLB debut in 2021, his mother, Kumiko, flew to the stadium to witness that historic moment. He recounts that his mother cried the moment he stepped onto the field.
“She told me that all the hot practice sessions, all the long commutes…it was finally worth it,” Nootbaar recalls.
But the upcoming season could be very different.
After learning of his relapse, Nootbaar has spent more time with his family during breaks between practice sessions. He says the hardest thing is seeing his mother trying to appear strong so he can focus on playing.
“She always says, ‘Don’t worry about me, just focus on baseball,’” he says. “But it’s hard not to think about it every day.”
Nootbaar says his mother still watches all his games, even when she can’t be at the stadium.
“My mother said that if she couldn’t be in the stands, she would watch on TV and cheer from home,” he said. “That’s what keeps me going.”
His teammates on the St. Louis Cardinals have also shown strong support for Nootbaar and his family.
Several players said they sent messages of encouragement and regularly checked on his mother’s health. The coaching staff also made arrangements for Nootbaar to visit his family whenever needed.
“Family is always the most important thing,” a member of the Cardinals coaching staff said. “Lars is an important part of the team, but it’s more important that he knows everyone is there for him.”
On social media, Cardinals fans and the baseball community sent thousands of well wishes to Mrs. Kumiko.
Many recalled the image of his mother proudly standing in the stands while her son wore the Japanese national team jersey at the 2023 World Baseball Classic – a tournament where Nootbaar became one of the most beloved figures.
“We’ll be cheering for you,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “Rest assured that Lars always has the whole city of St. Louis behind him.”
For Nootbaar, the upcoming season now holds deeper meaning than ever before.
He says that every time he steps onto the court, he thinks of his mother.
“I want my mother to be proud,” Nootbaar said. “Whether she’s in the stands or watching on TV at home, I want her to know that I’m playing baseball for her.”
As the new Major League Baseball season approaches, Cardinals fans hope that Nootbaar and his mother’s story will have a positive ending.
But right now, the most important thing for the young player isn’t the number of hits or the scorecard record.
“Baseball has always been my dream,” he said. “But family is what makes that dream meaningful.”
