For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a player has accomplished the unprecedented feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same season. Making history is becoming a regular occurrence for Los Angeles Dodgers' sensational two-way player, Shohei Ohtani.
Shohei Ohtani's Historic Achievement
On a remarkable Thursday night, Ohtani, in a single game, not only hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season but also stole his 50th and 51st bases. This extraordinary performance led the Dodgers to a resounding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins, further cementing Ohtani’s legendary status in the baseball annals.
But those numbers only scratch the surface of the scope of Ohtani's achievements. His ability to both hit and steal bases at such extraordinary rates in one season is nothing short of phenomenal. This latest game marked the 13th occasion this season where he hit a home run and stole a base in the same match, a landmark that ties the single-season record set by Rickey Henderson in 1986. And with nine games left in the regular season, Ohtani has ample opportunity to surpass Henderson's mark.
A Season to Remember
Ohtani's 51 home runs are the most ever by a Japanese-born player, breaking new ground in MLB history. Moreover, he has achieved new personal career highs in both home runs and stolen bases this season. Remarkably, Ohtani reached the milestone of 40 home runs and 40 steals faster than any player in history, doing so in just 129 team games. His previous personal bests—46 home runs in 2021 and 26 stolen bases—pale in comparison to his record-shattering 2024 season.
Beyond the statistics, Ohtani's role with the Dodgers has been instrumental. Notably, he has been exclusively hitting this season due to elbow surgery last September, and yet his offensive production has been astronomical. Last season, he led the league with 44 home runs and pitched 132 innings, posting a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts, a performance that earned him his second unanimous MVP award. This year, despite not pitching, Ohtani has propelled his team to secure a postseason berth.
Setting More Records
This historic game marked Ohtani as the first player to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game. Prior to this, only 19 instances existed where a player hit two home runs and stole two bases in a game, with Mookie Betts being the most recent player to achieve this on August 23, 2020. Additionally, Ohtani became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game, a feat last accomplished by Mark Reynolds on July 7, 2018. The single-game RBI record stands at 12, shared by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten.
Ohtani also racked up 17 total bases in his historic game, an achievement that has only been accomplished by seven other players and never without hitting four home runs. In doing so, he set the Dodgers' single-season franchise record for home runs.
Reaction to Ohtani's Feat
Ohtani's performances have garnered praise from players past and present. One quote highlighted by commentators reflects the impossible-to-ignore impact of Ohtani's season: "Huge congrats to Shohei. If you're going to have somebody tie and eventually break your record, who better than the greatest player who ever lived." It's clear that the reverence for Ohtani spans across generations.
From leading in home runs to setting records in stolen bases and total bases, and performing a range of remarkable feats in the outfield and at the plate, Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a multi-dimensional player in Major League Baseball. As one commentator aptly put it, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history."
With all these accomplishments, Ohtani is not just leaving a mark on a single season but rewriting the entire narrative of what is possible in the sport of baseball. As the season continues, fans and analysts alike eagerly watch to see how many more milestones Ohtani will obliterate. His journey is an electrifying blend of raw talent, disciplined execution, and historical significance, making the 2024 season one for the ages.