The story behind closer Carlos Estevez’s save celebration that baffled Royals broadcasters
Carlos Estévez picked up his first save with the Royals on Saturday, and the first question he was asked by reporters in the clubhouse was if he’s an anime fan.
Sounds strange, right?
Well, there’s a reason for that line of questioning. After closing the door on the Royals’ 4-3 win over the Guardians at Kauffman Stadium, Estévez celebrated with a Dragon Ball Z Kamehameha move.
If you wondered what Estévez was doing after getting the final out, you’re not alone. Royals broadcasters Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler didn’t know it either.
A Kamehameha is a “powerful energy wave“ that is fired from hands that have been cupped, according to the website CBR.com.
“I started last year,” said Estévez, who signed a two-year contract with the Royals during the winter. “The year before was different, but I started last year at the beginning of the year. And I’m just gonna keep it going.”
The Star’s Jaylon Thompson then asked Estévez a question that any Royals/anime lover would have: Are you a Goku or Vegeta fan and why?
“Vegeta. Better story. He resembles a lot to a baseball player. A lot of training, a lot of suffering, a lot of being away from the family, but he overcomes all that, and he’s one of the strongest. So why not Vegeta?”
Why not indeed?
Estévez was excited to get that first save and fed off the energy of the crowd at Kauffman Stadium.
“The stadium was pumping,” Estévez said, “and I’m just happy after what we do to come back right there and take the lead. My thought was just right here, this is it. Let’s finish it right here. Let’s not give them another break and that’s exactly what happened.”
This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 7:13 PM.
