Premier12: MLB All-Star Adam Frazier recalls the "incredible experience" of Shohei Ohtani in 2015

After signing a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, Adam Frazier discussed his commitment with MLB TV.

Frazier, a 32-year-old left-handed hitting second baseman, is a WBSC Premier12 alum. After starring at the Double-A level for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he went 11-for-31, a .355 batting average, with four doubles and five runs batted in (RBIs) in eight games for the runner-up USA at the inaugural Premier12 in 2015. At the end of the tournament, he was featured as the second baseman on the All-World Team.

John Morosi asked him about his experience and what he recalled about a young Shohei Ohtani.

"That was an incredible experience. We had to spend some time in Taiwan and watched Shohei [Ohtani] pitch at the Tokyo Dome. We were all expecting to face Shohei in the championship game. When they pulled him, Korea came back and beat them, so we never faced Japan in the final."

"It was a pretty special time. I think we had a preview of what was to come for Shohei Ohtani. It was a pretty special experience for us. Every time you wear a USA jersey, it's a special experience. That was a fun experience for me and the other guys. It was cool."

Frazier went on to make his MLB debut in 2016 for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He has appeared in 962 MLB games for the Pirates, San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles since.

Ohtani proved untouchable in the inaugural Premier12. He started two games and pitched 13 scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out 21. As Frazier recalled, it was not enough for Japan to advance to the final. He left after seven innings of one-hit ball against Korea, with Japan leading 3-0.

What Ohtani has become since his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 is well known. After earning World Baseball Classic MVP honours, the two-way phenom moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing the richest contract in the history of North American sports before the 2024 season.

The III WBSC Premier12, presented by RAXUS, is scheduled from 10 to 24 November. The Tokyo Dome will host again the finals.