Young fiddler from Illinois plays national anthem for Red Sox in Florida

Baseball is America's pastime, and the chance to perform the national anthem before the first pitch is a significant honor. Nine-year-old Mikayla Hoult traveled from Illinois to Southwest Florida for this very opportunity.

Mikayla's fascination with the fiddle began at a young age.

"I went to go see a Lindsey Sterling concert when I was three and I would never sit that long," said Mikayla Hoult. "Like staring at someone at a concert. So then, when I got older, I said I want to play the fiddle. So here I am now."

She started playing the fiddle at the age of six.

"I don't practice that often because I play by ear," said Mikayla. "I really don't like practicing."

Mikayla was selected by the Boston Red Sox to perform the national anthem before the Red Sox Spring Training opener against Northeastern.

"What was your reaction when you found out?"

"Um... gasp," said Mikayla.

"I was kind of shocked we got it because we submitted for other parks before and when they told her here, a lady who's like a grandma to her who lives in Phoenix, she's a big Red Sox fan," said her father, Michael Hoult. "So she couldn't wait to tell her all about it."

Mikayla has performed in three big league ballparks, including Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. When she stepped out at JetBlue Park, she was ready.

"Usually when I step out there, I'm a little nervous," said Mikayla. "But once I hit the first note, I'm not nervous anymore."

Her performance inspired the crowd to sing along.

"She likes the attention so just to see her, you know, the expression on her face when everybody's applauding for her is really cool," said Michael.

Mikayla hopes to one day perform the national anthem at the White House.