The baseball world buzzes with the name of Shohei Ohtani. This two-way phenom leaves fans and opponents alike in awe, shattering expectations of what a player can achieve. The 2023 MVP’s electrifying presence in the field is undeniable, a testament to a talent that transcends conventional boundaries. For those who have faced Ohtani on the world stage, they carry a unique perspective.

In an Exclusive interview with EssentiallySports’ Abhay Aggarwal, the Kansas City Royals’ assistant pitching coordinator, Jason Simontacchi, shares his experience facing the Unicorn in a high-stakes clash at the 2023 World Baseball Classic. What secrets about this enigmatic superstar might his encounter reveal?

Jason Simontacchi’s Exclusive Insights on Shohei Ohtani’s Aura

“Man, he was just electric,” Simontacchi recalls in the EssentiallySports Exclusive interview, describing his encounter with Ohtani as Team Italy’s pitching and bench coach. For him, the aura surrounding Shotime extends beyond his immense talent. “He’s got a following… When you see greatness and you know there’s a great player there, especially on both parts of the plate, you know, pitching or hitting, there’s just an instant respect,” Simontacchi notes. This sort of presence is a testament to Ohtani’s undeniable greatness. And Jason Simontacchi’s perspective carries added weight due to his own baseball journey.

The veteran rose through minor league systems and played for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Washington Nationals during his MLB career. After retiring, Simontacchi transitioned into coaching, starting as a pitching coach within the Cardinals organization. He joined the Kansas City Royals in 2018 as their assistant pitching coordinator, later stepping into the pitching coordinator role, a position he held for three years before stepping down post the 2022 season. Simontacchi’s experience on the mound and subsequent tenures in coaching equip him with a keen eye when analyzing players like Shohei Ohtani.

As a former MLB pitcher, Simontacchi understands the game’s intricate battles. “We know how hard the game is to play… It’s a little bit more harder to hit than it is to pitch, but it doesn’t seem like it for him,” he remarks on Shohei Ohtani’s seemingly effortless dominance. Ohtani is one of the handful of players who never fail to break down the conventional barriers between throwing a ball and wielding a bat, making him a unique and formidable challenge.

Despite the competitive spirit, the coach expresses a hint of positive anticipation: “Hopefully, he has a better year. He’s not gonna be pitching this year… You’ve already seen him take some hacks in the cage and BP, and so he’s obviously got his swing back.” It’s a subtle nod to Shohei Ohtani’s decision to focus solely on hitting in the upcoming MLB season. Simontacchi and baseball fans worldwide eagerly await witnessing the unleashed power of Shotime’s bat.

Read More: EXCLUSIVE: Former Red Sox Catcher Ryan Lavarnway Reserves High Praise for Shohei Ohtani, Lauds Two-Way Star’s Humble Nature

Jason Simontacchi’s reflections in the Exclusive interview with EssentiallySports offer a rare glimpse into the mind of someone who faced Shohei Ohtani on the international stage. His words highlight the Unicorn’s overwhelming presence, the complexities he brings to the game, and the shared respect within the baseball community for this generational athlete. As our favorite Shohei “Two-Way” Ohtani continues to push the boundaries of baseball, stories like Simontacchi’s only add to his growing legend.