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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Hold on to the edges of your seats, it’s Shotime. The gunshot sound of a metal bat hitting a ball and the unbelievably loud roars of crowds. A 90+ mph ball straight into the catcher’s hand and a frustrated hitter throwing his bat. These are the usual cues that one is at a Shohei Ohtani game. Nothing short of an icon, the Japanese sensation has revolutionized the sport. Now he’s ready to grace fans’ screens.

As a boy growing up in the countryside of Japan, Ohtani was labeled yakyū shōnen, quite literally translated as ‘baseball boy.’ From the Land of the Rising Sun to the New World, the two-way sensation has turned into baseball’s unicorn. Once called Japan’s Babe Ruth, Ohtani has far surpassed the most popular name in MLB. Now he’s on his way to memorialize himself on film.

A Shohei Ohtani Documentary Is About To Grace The Silver Screen

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With the last six years spent in Los Angeles, Shohei Ohtani calls the West Coast his second home. But if he wants to go to the postseason, let alone the World Series, staying with the Angels might not be an option. Wherever he goes next in his upcoming free agency, one thing is certain: The two-way sensation’s contract will likely set a record in American sports history.

To immortalize the legend of Shohei Ohtani, ESPN+ just announced huge news. A documentary titled “Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream” is coming to the streamer on November 17. Disney+ will also air the six-hour-long interview with the slugger.

Interspersed among the interview and clips from turning points in Ohtani’s career will be discussions with coaches, players, managers, and mentors that have influenced him.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to share my journey in this documentary. Hearing the stories shared by my childhood heroes has been truly inspiring. I hope this documentary stands as a testament to the importance of resilience, passion, and self-belief in the pursuit of excellence,” Shotime said in ESPN’s official press release.

Ohtani Never Thought He Could Be a Two-Way Player

Being full time both on the mound and at the plate was unheard of before Shohei Ohtani did it. Many have tried, like the Negro League’s Bullet Rogan and, of course, Babe Ruth. There have been occasionally good players at the college baseball level too. But everyone has ultimately chosen to focus on either the bat or the ball. Shotime thought he would do the same on the mound until he joined the Nippon Ham Fighters.

Getting the opportunity to play as a batter and a pitcher, the Japanese slugger poured his heart and soul into practicing for each. The previous three seasons are a testament to his hard work, and the upcoming documentary will showcase exactly that. Earlier this year, fans noted him filming something in the bleachers at Angel Stadium, and many think it could have been for the upcoming doc.

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WATCH THIS STORY – Unveiling the Driving Force Behind Shohei Ohtani’s Success – Meet Coach Toru Ohtani, the Mastermind Behind the Rising Star

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Setting the blueprint for generations of baseballers to come, Shohei Ohtani has opened up new gates for youngsters looking up to him. If he can do it, anyone can.

READ MORE – Is Shohei Ohtani a Better Hitter or Pitcher? Everything to Know About His Two-Way Abilities