The showdown of the World Baseball Classic is one that the baseball world will remember for a long time. The sheer beauty of the final seconds when Shohei Ohtani realized he had taken Japan to a glorious victory will forever be engraved in the archives of baseball history. Baseball has now become loved among the sports community in a way it wasn’t before.
The international stage has propelled baseball to new heights. With stunning moments that played out in the emerald green of the baseball arena throughout the two weeks, the WBC was in action. It has garnered an increasing number of supporters for the sport from around the globe. And now, even other American professional sports have taken to baseball as an inspiration. Let’s take a look at one such instance.
Shohei Ohtani’s epic play has drawn the attention of NHL legend Connor McDavid
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It’s a given that even other professional sports will take notice of such a grand sporting event. The tournament has not only captivated baseball fans but also drawn attention from athletes in other sports, who are praising baseball for getting it right. Connor McDavid, the captain, and center of the Edmonton Oilers in the NHL, pointed out Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout’s face-off as a prime example of what Hockey’s been missing.
Well what do ya know. Players from other sports pointing to BASEBALL as an example of getting it right.
Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers points to the Trout/Ohtani matchup.
The WBC has done wonders for the game of baseball 📈📈📈
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) March 23, 2023
“I thought it was really cool. It’s what we’ve been asking for in Hockey for a long time right? Everyone’s talking about baseball and see Ohtani vs Trout and that’s what Hockey’s been missing for almost a decade now so.” The captain’s effusive praise for baseball is a sentiment shared by many.
How did the fans react to McDavid’s comments?
Connor McDavid’s comments about Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout’s showdown have resonated with the baseball community. With its recent elevation in popularity thanks to the World Baseball Classic, the game has won over the hearts of even more fans.
I watched the game last night every second of it, first game I’ve watched every second since prolly ever maybe, mightve at 10 or sum when I played. WBC brought me back, we need this ever 2 years.
— Fatttz2x (@Fattttmatt99) March 23, 2023
Great point
— Jim Swanson (@jswan11WBCnats) March 23, 2023
A fan mentioned Mike Trout’s comment after Sho-time struck him out in the final inning of the ultimate game of WBC, “He won round 1.”
That matchup will be talked about for years, until Round 2 in 2026!
— Jim Kryjer (@jimkryjer) March 23, 2023
— Brent Mulligan (@brmullig) March 23, 2023
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— Christopher Collins (@Christo51372725) March 23, 2023
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With players like Shohei Ohtani present in the game, baseball marks a new chapter in its rediscovery. It is ready to redefine itself with even more epic moments in the future, surely!
WATCH THIS STORY: Japanese two-way baseball star Shohei Ohtani hits 100th Major League homer