There’s no doubt that Shohei Ohtani is the face of Major League Baseball for the younger generation of baseball fans. The 27-year-old is an electric player and a delight to behold on the baseball diamond, so his inclusion in the MLB Little League Classic between the Los Angeles Angels and Cleveland Indians was nearly all but assured.
Outside of having a hit and a walk halfway through the game, Ohtani took some time out of his day to FaceTime the ESPN KidsCast broadcast, the alternate presentation to the game featuring content more centered on the youth voice.
In the two-minute interview, Ohtani talked about his mentality coming into the game, how the Angels could make a comeback, and most adorably, what games he plays on his phone.
Shohei Ohtani #大谷翔平 face time interview with the ESPN Kids Cast!
This is an amazing interview! #LittleLeagueClassic pic.twitter.com/WPaB642fts
— 大谷翔平⚾Ohtani Shohei ❶❼ (@shoheisaveus) August 23, 2021
It’s a really sweet interview, showcasting more of Ohtani and why he’s been such a hit with baseball fans of all ages.
Even the broadcast team after the interview opined on Ohtani’s status as a growing baseball star and what he means to the youth of the sport.
Listen to how the kidscast talk about Shohei Ohtani
“The first ever to do FaceTime interview in Sunday Night Baseball & who better to do it with Zoe, than most likely in a few months time the AL MVP, not only the most likely AL MVP but also becoming the new face of baseball” pic.twitter.com/oMlU7oiVP1
— 大谷翔平⚾Ohtani Shohei ❶❼ (@shoheisaveus) August 23, 2021
What a wonderful moment for Ohtani and all the young baseball fans at the park and those watching at home.