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"If You Have Access to Data—Use It": Shohei Ohtani’s Advice to His Younger Self

August 20, 2025
Shohei Ohtani doesn’t just redefine what’s possible on a baseball field—he also redefines how players should think about development.
In a recent interview with Rapsodo, Ohtani reflected on his journey from a young player in Japan to the most electrifying two-way star the game has ever seen.
When asked what advice he’d give to a younger version of himself, his answer was simple—but powerful:

“When I was younger, we didn’t have tools like Rapsodo, so everything was based on feel. That swing felt good, so I’d try to remember that feeling. But now, we have numbers that show us if it actually was good. If you have access to data and tracking tools, I think it’s really important to make the most of them.”

It's crazy to think today's little leaguers have something that baseball's best player never did: Access to technology like Rapsodo.

From Williamsport Dreams to Big League Data

As the Little League World Series takes center stage this month, we’re reminded of where every journey begins—on small-town fields, with big dreams and bigger heart.

It’s easy to imagine a young Shohei Ohtani in that same setting.

Back then, like so many kids in Williamsport today, Ohtani trained without the kind of real-time feedback and precision data players now have at their fingertips.

Today’s generation has access to tools that can fast-track learning, sharpen mechanics, and build confidence at every level of the game.

Whether you’re trying to win it all in Williamsport or preparing for high school ball, data is now part of the development journey—and the earlier it’s introduced, the bigger the advantage.

From Feel to Feedback

Ohtani’s story mirrors that of countless young athletes—players who train hard but often without a measurable roadmap. Today’s athletes don’t have to rely on trial and error. With tools like Rapsodo PRO 2.0, players can:
  1. Track their exit velocity, launch angle, and spin rate
  2. Understand how their pitch shapes perform in real time
  3. Review video + data overlays to connect feel to measurable results
  4. Build repeatable mechanics backed by actual feedback

The best part? You don’t have to be an MVP to access this level of insight. Rapsodo technology is used by youth programs, high schools, colleges, and every MLB organization—because development is for everyone.

Bonus: Who Would Ohtani Want to Face in Baseball History?

We also asked Ohtani one of the great “what if” questions in baseball:

If you could face any player in history—either as a hitter or a pitcher—who would it be?

We won’t spoil the answer here, but let’s just say his pick reflects the same respect for greatness and love of the game that has made Ohtani such a transcendent figure.

Take Shohei's Advice & Start Your Journey With Data

Shohei Ohtani didn’t have access to data growing up—but he wishes he did. Now he’s encouraging the next generation of players, including the stars of Williamsport and beyond, to take advantage of every tool at their disposal.

With Rapsodo, you can start turning raw talent into real progress.

Train like Shohei. Train with Rapsodo.

Ready to add Rapsodo to your program? Email sales@rapsodo.com or visit our website to learn more.

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By Rapsodo Baseball

With an unwavering passion for the game and data-driven insights, we're here to inspire and elevate your Baseball journey through articles that help you find improvement and excellence.