Actress Holt discusses her love of baseball

Olivia Holt may be best known for her acting and singing chops, but that doesn't mean she can't handle her own on the diamond. After all, baseball was a family affair for the teenage Disney Channel star, who grew up playing the sport with her father and younger brother. It's that familial connection, in fact, that has made the budding actress a lifelong fan.

Between her schedule on shows like "I Didn't Do It" and "Kickin' It," MLB.com caught up with Holt about her favorite baseball experiences and love of the game.

Where did you grow up, and what's your favorite baseball team?

I was born in Tennessee and raised right outside of Memphis, Miss., in a town called Nesbit. I moved to Los Angeles when I was 12 years old, so I've been there for about six years now. I dig the Dodgers. Ever since I've been here, I've been to a bunch of Dodgers games, and you can't go wrong. It's like my home, and I've got to represent my home team.

Who's your favorite player of all time?

There are so many amazing players. I'm a big fan of softball, and since we played in the All-Star Game Legends & Celebrity Softball Game together this summer, Jennie Finch is now my new favorite softball girl.

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What was that experience like?

Well, being able to be around a bunch of baseball legends and other people that are incredibly talented and who I've looked up to was amazing. I was the youngest one there, so being able to get to know these people, support the event and have fun was a great experience.

What's your favorite part about walking into a ballpark?

This may sound a bit weird, but I love the smell. I love the smell of the stadium and the food.

Do you prefer watching baseball live or on a screen?

Live, of course! The energy is just completely different. I will, of course, watch games on TV, but you have to be there to get the full experience. There's so much energy.

What do you like most about baseball? What made you love the game?

I think a lot has to do with how kids grow up and join different sports teams. Being part of a team is how you make friends and figure out who you are as a person. You can find your soul and your authenticity when you are out on the court or on a field. Baseball provides a sense of "home," especially for me, because I grew up around my brother and my dad playing baseball. I feel like it has this sense of heart.