Catching Up with “KidCast” Commentator: Q & A with 11-year-old Pepper Persley
You won’t meet too many 11-year-olds as impressive as Pepper Persley.
The New York native and host of the “Dish with Pepper” podcast served as the broadcast reporter for ESPN’s KidCast presentation of the 2022 MLB Little League Classic on Sunday Night Baseball.
It was a memorable KidCast, filled with high-profile special guest appearances, in-game player conversations and commentary from a youth perspective, driven by 18-year-old Max Wallace, 14-year-old Leo Roth, and Persley.
Persley, who has covered WNBA games, is used to being around stars, but as she describes below, President George W. Bush and Little League legend Mo’ne Davis took it to another level.
I chatted with the 11-year-old phenom about a “Classic” experience:
How would you describe your experience reporting for KidsCast?
It was an amazing experience. I am so grateful to ESPN for hiring me!
I was lucky enough to work with awesome commentators in Max and Leo, as well as an incredible behind-the-scenes team.
Also, shout-out to my parents for getting me there and handling all of my emotions and stress beforehand.
To interview a former President was just next-level, out of this world kinda stuff. He was so chill and nice. His answers were detailed, kind and personable. He even gave me a hug and took a picture with me!
What was the highlight of the night for you?
It’s hard to pick just one, especially on a night where I met and interviewed a former President.
I have to say, in my second meeting with ESPN, they said I would be able to interview Mo’ne Davis. And I was like, “OH MY GOSH! Mo’ne Davis!” I read her book and she is one of my biggest role models!
What was the story behind you getting a foul ball?
I didn’t actually catch it. Right after my interview with Todd Frazier, a fly ball was hit over our heads and I was scared. It bounced off of the Red Sox clubhouse roof and Todd caught it from there and gave it to me.
I will definitely display the ball and use it as a souvenir from this incredibly memorable experience.
