“Incredible!” - Rich Eisen Reacts to the Shohei Ohtani-Mike Trout Epic Showdown to End the WBC

[@byronanderson6667]

This was the best baseball moment ever! I am 72 years old and a baseball fan that watched Mantle, Koufax, Mays, Gibson, Clemente, Aaron,Nolan, Randy, and Bonds. That was the most exciting baseball ever in my lifetime. ESPN has downplayed it and the rest of the world was thrilled by it. Mr. Ohtani is the best baseball player ever to play the game. So talented, so respectful, so humble.

[@sicottish]

Right there with you...the only at-bat that compares to this, that I experienced, was Gibson vs Eckersley in game 1 of the '88 WS. Ahh...baseball.

[@javier_rivera_torres]

Well said Byron. Its mind-boggling how incredibly talented a baseball player he is. He sounds like a made up character. All the legends you mentioned would think your lying if you can go back and tell them what he is able to do.

[@tonyswe9463]

Agree. Ohtani is the best baseball player I have ever seen. Also has a good character.

[@GabGotti3]

Best baseball game I’ve ever seen.

[@popozz]

When Otani was in high school, he wrote in his "life plan notebook" that "I would become the MVP of the WBC at the age of 27". One of his dreams has come true again.

[@mickelkobeck7376]

Literally the ONLY thing I follow in MLB is Shoehei Ohtani, I haven't cared about baseball since the 1994 strike. But I follow that guy.

[@David-vf7if]

If you stopped because of a strike you weren’t a fan.

[@JohnSmith-nj4zq]

We can just be a fan of a player. I did that with M.J, Brady, and Tiger as well. Now I just follow Shohei as well.

[@albertB215]

@@David-vf7ifI’m not a fan. But I started watching for Ohtani.

[@erivers71]

Dude me too...same thing...never watch baseball unless its Otani. Otani is class act that went back to the basics of baseball, which is have fun, show respect, and have intelligence of the game

[@FoxxyBrown1111]

@@David-vf7if Actually that is a true fan. I also went away in disgust from these greedy individuals destroying baseball... The game itself is great, but MLB burried it... Fanbois otoh will accept any crap and still pay the show. Gambling, roids, manipulations, cheating. Those are hardcore SM people... But dont dare to call us true fans not (having been) true baseball fans.

[@josephya5815]

Not only Trout but he had to go through Betts too!!! Ohtani making baseball Great Again!!!

[@alexsakon]

That Trout v Ohtani duel was one for the history books. Amazing.

[@meatusshaft300]

Watched that moment live with a buddy! We both agreed, Mike was the best player of this past generation, Shohei is The Best Player Ever! We may never see a moment like that duplicated in our lifetime ever again! Truth is stranger than fiction! Much Respect to Japan! ❤️

[@tacotom3492]

Best player ever ? 2 seasons ? Meh, that's a bit much . Very good player though. ✌️🤔

[@bigvictor7274]

@@tacotom3492 hey don't be mad, mexico put up a good fight.

[@rittlethrone]

@@tacotom3492 when he won mvp people said only 1 season. He did it again and people said thats only 2 seasons. 😆

[@shanebush2751]

2 great players. But the say hey kid, Willie May's was the best player ever.

[@dhttube]

@@tacotom3492 Best player ever? No, he has to do this for another 8 years for that to happen. Most talented player ever? Yes, yes, yes. No doubt about it.

[@bobzig2005]

Lord, thank you for Rich Eisen. Finally a host who recognizes the gift the baseball gods gave us AND who understands what an incredibly unbelievable thing Ohtani is doing to pitch, hit, run at elite MLB level. Also don’t forget...he BUNTED to keep Japan going during the rally against Mexico. No ego, just wants to win and be damned his own stats for better of the team. Also understands the bigger picture that WBC is to raise the global visibility of baseball and the need for next gen to be inspired to choose baseball over globally popular sports like soccer. Talented AND smart.

[@zt1239]

I felt every word, Rich! It was epic, a dream match, a moment in history! And Shohei showed up big time! He was already cool, but he was EXTRA COOL at the WBC! The emotions he showed!! Sho is amazing and so is Team Japan. What a team. What a sport.

[@KeepItReal213]

Shohei was Showtime!!

[@kami_1789]

Every word was true!

[@DelusionalJ]

I sincerely feel that the American people are so grand, I am moved by your sportsmanship towards people even from other countries who love and deeply respect your beautiful sport that you've created, and yet despite the final results your attitude was so generous towards the Japanese players, thank you, from Japan.

[@JessBeautyJunkie]

We're Shohei's foster country, we all LOVE him. Know that he's adored while he's away from you all. Watching him last night was an honor and privilege. I had tears in my eyes. Seeing him and Trout, the best player of the last 50+ years, face off, was one of the most exciting sports moments I've ever seen.

[@vernontk]

Samurai Japan played with excellence and power. I want to see future matchups as more American players become interested in the tournament.

[@missolympiabinewski]

Heart-breaking result, but easy to admire the Japanese team. Played with so much skill and heart. Got to tip your cap and say see you next year.

[@tedpeters896]

And thank you for sending us the greatest player of all time... who also has unmatched grace and class.

[@Universemasterj]

Japan and the US will always be friends. I’m not even upset despite the loss because I love Japan, and especially Shohei who is probably my favorite sport figure ever. We love Japan!

[@pascalrouen]

I don't say it lightly, rather, I truly mean it: Ohtani is likely the greatest baseball player to ever live.

[@javiersilva1577]

If he stays healthy he will be. He hasn’t won anything yet. Can’t be the best when you haven’t even been to the playoffs

[@tednguyen7258]

mike trout was considered the best he didnt win jack...understand the game man

[@ConlanHale]

@@javiersilva1577lol why not? it’s not his fault his team can’t assemble a competent roster around him. He can’t just carry 24 other guys on his back when he can only bat ~4 times per game and pitches once every 5+ days.

[@javiersilva1577]

@@tednguyen7258 He was considered the best player in the league. You guys are arguing the Ohtani is the best player in HISTORY. Those are 2 very different things.

[@whowastheoneguy4719]

Ohtani is a living legend

[@eduardoimbue]

I was at the game last night, and that Ohtani Trout ab was a sublime moment

[@FrankinDallas]

I'm old enough to have seen Yogi Berra and Moose Skowron hitting home runs in the REAL Yankee Stadium and I have to say Otani is as good as anyone who has every played. Amazing.

[@antonioduverge3558]

My grandchildren would know about this WBC and Ohtani performances, this guy is becoming legendary!

[@WaitAMinute1989]

Shohei hit 435 for the tournament and these guys still don't think he's not the G.O.A.T? Drug free!

[@everythinglakers1713]

@@WaitAMinute1989 HIGHLIGHT THAT DRUG FREE. People gotta realize Ohtani is a product of sheer discipline, talent, and outright outworking EVERYONE!!! In my opinion the greatest MLB player to grace this planet!

[@maureen1031]

What a game, what an ending!! Epic.

[@greghelton4668]

My heart almost stopped yesterday. What an amazing day it was.

[@manciti4709]

last night was a historical night that will forever live in our hearts...as a die-hard baseball fan...this is exactly what the baseball world needed to ignite the game back into the eyes of many...the stars had to align perfectly to get that gran finale...& it certainly did just that...hope that we don't take for granted the gift from sports heaven ...that has been given to us... the UNICORN himself...shohei ohtani...please make post-season this year

[@tedpeters896]

I am far from a baseball fan but I am a huge WBC fan. Passion is infectious and seeing the best players seeling themselves out for the love of the game and their countries is pricelsss.

[@zakataMan]

When Ohtani threw that first Fastball my jaw nearly hit the floor.A straight up hit it if you can moment

[@al1976-v7m]

Yep and in Trout's happy zone!

[@emp0rizzle]

@@al1976-v7m He just blew it by him like it was nothing. Insanity

[@fujiusami]

trout's facial expression after he missed the second one was priceless.

[@maddux1188]

Such a great moment.

[@Bobbybabybobbybubbie]

We're lucky he grew up in Japan, because a kid with that combination of size, speed and strength in the US would be streamed hard into football.

[@cryptochris9001]

Lol no. He has too much overall skill. Baseball was his game for sure.

[@JasonJia909]

@@cryptochris9001 Nah I agree with Bobby. I say it all the time to anyone who will listen- if he wasn't surrounded by a culture that treats baseball like life itself, he would probably have veered towards football since it's way more popular in the states nowadays than baseball is.

[@noname-dk7ri]

His dad and older brother played baseball so he got into it too. No matter where he was born, if his family played baseball, he would have played baseball.

[@AnimeGamer0]

I’ll be honest, and this is kinda a racist take but true - he definitely wouldn’t be in football. How many Asian Football players do you know in the NFL? The culture here doesn’t drive Asian-Americans to play Football unless they’re a kicker (and only because they probably double-sport into Soccer). He might’ve been steered to Basketball or Soccer but his true skills are in Baseball. I think he would’ve been squandered living here in the states, and the best environment for him growing up was in Japan where Baseball is revered.

[@JayBe443]

@@JasonJia909 theres plenty of baseball culture in the US, same as footbal or basketball. It tends to be more regional based.

[@tuttlespeachtree3413]

I will remember that game (and tournament) for the rest of my life...what a genius thing for the baseball community worldwide!

[@otakutourguide]

This was the best conversation and reaction to the best baseball moment of the new century. Watching his greatness unfold has been a treat and let's remember he's still in his 20s.

[@PeepsWaxPacks]

The Classic was filled with incredible emotion, and was capped with the best matchup we've seen in decades. WHAT A MOMENT!

[@surfwriter8461]

It was absolutely an amazing finish to a very compelling WBC tournament. It was high drama, like a gunfight in the Old West at the end. Ohtani prevailed, with authority. It does show us what both players could be like in an MLB playoff series.

[@ui8491]

The moment was just undescribable. Such sensation, such contribution to the world of baseball.

[@FloraVista2000]

Ir could not be said more eloquently. Thank you. It was so amazing that it was surreal how it ended.

[@monjianton5015]

The WBC semi-final match between Japan and Mexico was a heart-stopping, thrilling and most entertaining and dramatic match. It was the best game in that sense. After that, the Japan-US confrontation that came to the final became a work of art of the highest quality that should continue to be talked about forever. Never before have I seen such a beautiful non-fiction drama that celebrates the life created by humans. This match had a really elegant and beautiful spirituality.

[@benmanutd2]

It simply hits different when the hope of your country is only the line.

[@mirojone]

Media is utterly downplaying this. People got to witness sports history. The greatest of all time baseball player of all time at the same time going up against one of the greatest of all time representing their respective countries, the two countries that arguably love baseball the most, for all of humanity at their absolute primes.

[@TheTEN24]

Great way of covering this Rich need more baseball talk this man is the best athlete in the world

[@lbstv5989]

Fellow Mets fan

[@ChowDownDetroit]

Ohtani is the greatest baseball player I have ever seen. I never seen Babe Ruth play.

[@starwalk3r]

These two players are number 1 and number 2 in the history of baseball. Take your pick which one takes which spot, lol.

[@areguapiri]

You never "saw".... ... And you never saw the greatest, Willie Mays, play.

[@kevinqn3221]

*Even if you had seen Ruth, you would still take Ohtani over Ruth*

[@omgbygollywow]

@@areguapiri No. LOL!

[@sleepyheadz]

@@starwalk3r Babe statistically was either great at throwing or great at swinging, rarely both at the same time. Ohtani's whole career was doing both at the highest level. We can never compare across eras. Babe played in an age where professionalism and training are minimal, so natural talent beats out lesser talents. Ohtani plays in an age where training and professionalism is high, if talent is not coupled with hard work, lesser talents with hard work beats it. Ohtani has the rare combination of mental toughness and flexibility as well as physical strength and agility. Put that together with psychotic level hard work and dedication, you get the monster we're seeing now. His 6 pitch K over Trout was the best demonstration of his mind mastery and physical delivery. Mike had no chance.

[@FishAreGoodSwimmers-ph3xb]

What an exciting tournament. Baseball wins!

[@arkadeyellow2931]

Makes me happy to see the unbridled excitement and appreciation for the WBC by American sportscasters. I was riveted. This is March Madness. And what a magnificent creature Ohtani is to behold. We are all lucky and privileged to be able to witness this truly once-in-a-lifetime (maybe once-in-history) athletic talent.

[@agrofindastation]

Here here. Absolutely!

[@gpmom1614]

You're just a romantic at heart, Rich. I feel the same way about baseball. Very eloquently said. What a great way to end a game. I hope both guys make it to the fall contest.

[@Onestonedbake]

I never thought I'd ever in my life see an Asian player be respected so well in America. This is huge for our culture

[@Neckrollios18]

The World Baseball Classic was awesome. It has been, but I'm so excited that more people are starting to get into it. Love the game, and I love what it's doing for the game!

[@scottprewitt4712]

Definitely one of the best baseball moments in a long time. The game has a lot of bs but once in a while it reminds you why we love it so much.

[@richdiana3663]

That was the biggest game in his life. You could see the fire.

[@cmorales5]

It’s so good to see all these sports shows talking baseball. It’s a great sport gentlemen! This WBC is a historical event without any doubt. Baseball is back to greatness!

[@jackj.hutchens9209]

Great tournament!! Spectacular moments! Heartbroken team USA lost, but it was a helluva fight!

[@arnoldcox9128]

That was amazing for baseball ⚾

[@DieHarder4ever]

This is why I go to every single other take and breakdown of epic moments in baseball recent events and end it with Rich Eisen. His takes are based. They’re perfect. And he speaks for the average sports fan. Love you Rich!

[@RJPaul-px6vt]

I live in Japan so I don't know Rich Eisen but he put this perfectly and with such feeling. Thanks. And Shohei is still only 28, so much more he can achieve. When he retires I do not doubt he will be considered the greatest human to have ever played baseball. That's assuming he is actually human of course.

[@miyukikaida6288]

As a Japanese, no matter his nationality, we all thank to Shohei OTANI who is living with us at same generation. He is a hard worker, humble,talented, intelligent, calm and very kind to every one.

[@vincentriley3698]

So true there buddy, excellent reporting there . I’m a Kiwi , rugby n cricket are our games , but my family and I were the edge of our seats too. What a brilliant sporting event. Onya USA , that was good , clean , entertaining stuff and you topped it off in confirming what everyone else is thinking but still getting it together. Cheers 🍻

[@otaviofrnazario]

well, you understand the value of this competition better than many in the US, because Rugby has it's World Cup (no need to say how much your New Zealand is a reference in rugby) and so does cricket (a World Cup that probably many doesn't know, but it's been having it's moments lately. Unfortunately your country lost what's likely the greatest game ever in the sport). You understand what a month of World Cup every four years means

[@antonioduverge3558]

I got goosebumps listening Rich talking about Ohtani!

[@bighawk56]

Mr. Eisen, I am a Japanese who does not even know the rules of American football. However, I love to see you talk about Shohei Ohtani with great enthusiasm. I would love to see him move to the Yankees in the middle of this season, then he hits a home run himself and strikes out the last batter, and scream with pride in Game 7 of the World Series. I am sure he would fit in well with the pinstriped uniforms.

[@sigerlion8608]

Screw Yankees! He's coming to the Mets!

[@rgs559]

No one does "epic" like Rich Eisen and crew. Thanks, guys!

[@ちゃるろす-f2l]

Thank you from Japan

[@ZacharyJohnG]

The dude is generational. It’s great being in Japan for his run.

[@Dre2Dee2]

As an Angels fans, its a swirl of emotions. So happy for Shohei, but it still hurt to see Trout strikeout. UNBELIVABLE moment. Shohei, you owe trout a ring! LETS GO GET IT 👍

[@ericwolf9664]

The angels owe both of them a ring.

[@sleepyheadz]

@@ericwolf9664 The Angels already gave them their ring... It's call a halo.

[@tonyswe9463]

Trout n Ohtani are brothers.

[@sigerlion8608]

If your GM and the rest of the team can't get it together, you are just wasting these 2 generational talents. Better off trading them to other teams so they can have real shots.

[@everythinglakers1713]

@@sigerlion8608 ikr. It is beyond an abomination that they can't even surround them with just competent average players

[@johnathanrebel]

Been waiting for this video all day fellas - thanks for the baseball love

[@TN-ux5rk]

Some say that there have been many better players than Ohtani But they often refer to the past players that they didn't see in action Otani is a unicorn He is a type of player that no one has ever seen We must be grateful for our privilege of being alive to see him in action

[@onehand-yusuf7212]

With my own 2 eyes I have seen Pujos win multiple World Series

[@Chicagoathletics]

I ⚾️baseball. And now I’m so happy that now WE all have WBC now. With all the great talent around the world, and the better it gets and it will with this WBC doing well. This tournament could be will be great in the future.

[@ORDIN58]

素晴らしい表現力、言葉のセンス、この方の話し方はとても情熱的で感動的でした😂 このフェア精神を拝見してアメリカも捨てたもんじゃないなと思いました❤

[@OgLoC2]

I am not a baseball fan, but that was one of the most exciting 1 v 1 sports showdowns in the last decade

[@ohxishxitsxdavid]

I feel blessed to watch Shohei Ohtani play baseball. He is unreal. He’s a video game create-a-player cheat code.

[@obsidian00]

He is the second coming of the “BABE”!!!

[@山田次郎-e8i]

The final fight was like a baseball movie.🤓

[@jorgeEliecer302]

There’s no doubt Othani is the best in the whole world maybe the galaxy.

[@stellaglez5967]

I love that Rich talks baseball!!!

[@decade130]

I really hope the Angels make at least the wildcard this year. Baseball needs those guys in the postseason.

[@djpak1]

Damnit I love baseball.

[@danielpolk3866]

One of the greatest moments in the history of sports. I dont think anyone was really wishing there had been a pitch clock! Protect the natural flow of the game! Abolish the pitch clock!

[@helloman3676]

WBC used a pitch clock, bet you didn’t even notice.

[@danielpolk3866]

Ha ha nice try

[@lxbui]

I listen to Rich Eisen talk baseball because he's got so much story telling super powers. when he speaks you listen. I heard every word.

[@allenchen5730]

Ohtani's clothes are always dirty when he's pitching, that's his charm.

[@khsu001]

have watched this clip more than 10 times

[@ExhaustedElox]

If the Angels could figure out the rest of their rotation, Trout and Ohtani could have a bunch of rings by now.

[@thecenterfielder7]

Angels going to World Series with Shohei And Trout This is the Year! 😇

[@helloman3676]

😂😂😂

[@jonabundis2764]

The greatest/best EVER!! EVER!!!

[@yui-tg4nm]

Shohei said "I am the person who knows the most how great Mike is and I needed to be 120% of me to get him out"

[@joemancini2988]

It was epic and just great baseball, a tonic for the game and the world.

[@boi4369]

That game made me so excited to watch baseball this summer. Go cards!

[@noblelee4765]

Don't forget the speech he gave his team before the game... Art Of War sh*t ...

[@MrInsurance8]

baseball gods came thru last night for sure. but ohtani didnt have to do that to his team mate 🤣 i hope mike is alright mentally after that cause those fastballs were mean af

[@tim.noonan]

Trout will be fine. If anything he has fuel for ‘26.

[@omgbygollywow]

Trout had no chance.

[@norahcook2806]

We are so lucky to witness this!!!

[@blitztim6416]

Shohei is always doing incredible things. I can’t say we are used to it, but we now expect it. The Angels gave him the opportunity to achieve his dream of being a two way player. Look what it has lead to. International stardom. I believe he is grateful. I hope he stays.

[@trevorcarey3997]

The 2 best players playing for the World Championship standing and facing at the very end, what does that say about the Angels

[@missolympiabinewski]

Movie moment. Wish MLB could step in and move Trout and Ohtani to competitive teams. Seeing that in October would be unreal.

[@KeepItReal213]

I LOVE Rich’s passion for baseball. I don’t even watch it that much and he makes me want to be a fan. 😁

[@johnnguyen699]

"Everything, Shohei Ohtani, All At Once"

[@Nanazane77]

Daddy has a way of picturing a game vividly ❤

[@adtastic1533]

International sport is fantastic because guys are playing for their country and not their next contract.

[@starwalk3r]

Rich Eisen nailed it!

[@tempusnon2157]

TOO GOOD

[@brycewilson1909]

i was just happy to watch it, truly an awesome moment!

[@nowgaku]

Indeed, it was a historic baseball event that will remain forever etched in memory.

[@davidday2373]

Puerto Rico vs Dominican Republic... team Mexico's run to the Semi's... the Final coming down to Angel vs Angel... WOW, WOW, WOW!

[@losjovel9271]

BASEBALL IS HERE

[@realpopchaser]

Otani is like Jordan, plays both sides...offense and defense..baseball is usually one way sport, and I have never seen a 2 way player like Otani....Baseball should market the heck out of this guy!

[@moloko5]

Cubs winning the World Series, for me a Cub fan, is the best sporting moment of my life given the long wait and the burden of history. But for me, as for meaningful sporting competitions, going forward it is now FIFA World Cup followed by World Baseball Classic for the best competitions out there. Both crown the true World Champions of the two sports I care most about.

[@sting6ph]

Rarely watch baseball but the hype was worth it 😁

[@Jackson-T23]

I just read that Mike Trout has only had 3 swinging strikes in only 24 of his 6,174 career MLB plate appearances. That's insane.....and makes this event even more epic.

[@chichi7473]

Great review! I wasn’t a fan of Ohtani, but now I am.😊

[@kengvang3062]

I love it. You are the man, Rich!

[@johnanderson8096]

A 1000 Thumbs UP!!! Awesome Take.....

[@wakawaka1976]

Pure and beautiful

[@zacharyliles8657]

Proof that baseball isn't broken, MLB is.

[@LeftThumbBreak]

Well said. Enjoy something this special because you may never see it again.

[@mcar65]

100 % agree with you 🙏

[@Agave011]

Well put, Rich.

[@travissullivan6575]

Here in Japan, it was a morning game, and everyone at the school I work at crowded around the TV for the ending, then went crazy.