This is it! The World Baseball Classic is almost over and adrenaline is running high. In a highly anticipated game, Japan is facing the USA and all bets are on. While the USA team may have more seasoned players, Japan has emerged as an underdog with an unbroken record. The Asian team has won every match-up it’s been handed and now it’s time for the finale. One of Japan’s main stars this year has been Shohei Ohtani.

A two-way phenom, Ohtani’s popularity has skyrocketed as the WBC progresses. If that doesn’t prove how much of a beloved player he’s become, then what does? The 28-year-old is heading the Japanese team this year, and he must be doing something right to bring them so far. Certainly, his pregame speech was worthy of a sports movie’s motivational dialogue.

Shohei Ohtani wants his team to forget their admiration of the enemies for once

The USA is a formidable team to have as a rival and Japan knows it. It’s natural to admire players in any sport, rather any field, even if they don’t play for the same team. Ohtani addressed this to a very full clubhouse before everyone descended on LoanDepot park.

Talkin’ Baseball posted a clip of him passionately addressing his teammates, hyping everyone up. Although he spoke in Japanese, some of the speech went, “Let’s stop admiring them… If you admire them, you can’t surpass them. We came here to surpass them, to reach the top. For one day, let’s throw away our admiration for them and just think about winning.”

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And truly, who wouldn’t feel the fire after listening to words like that?

Even team USA fans can’t help but admire Ohtani

Is there anything the man can’t do? On the diamond, Sho-time is a force to be reckoned with. But off the field too, his leadership skills are phenomenal. But even with a talent like his, Ohtani isn’t one to forget his humility. He can easily give respect where it’s due, and baseball fans are going gaga over him.

One fan mentioned the irony of the USA respecting Ohtani, who is a player that can very well lead Japan to a WBC championship.

Some even had contradictory opinions about his speech! While one called him cold, another said he was polite.

Some think he could do better than the Angels for his MLB team.

But for the most part, everyone loves Sho-time! Don’t they?

WATCH THIS STORY –  Japanese Two-Way Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Hits 100th Major League Homer