A Historic Season for Ohtani: A Milestone and More
For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a player has achieved the extraordinary milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers accomplished this awe-inspiring feat in 2024, a landmark that adds another remarkable chapter to the annals of baseball history.
A Triple Home Run and Steal Show
Ohtani's historic moment came on a night that was nothing short of spectacular. On Thursday, he hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season and also stole his 50th and 51st bases. His performance helped the Dodgers secure a dominant 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. The scintillating display marked the 13th time this season that Ohtani hit a home run and stole a base in the same game, tying the single-season record set by Rickey Henderson in 1986.
As if his night wasn't already monumental, Ohtani still has nine games remaining in the regular season to surpass Henderson's mark. His incredible journey this season hasn't been short of firsts; he became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game and recorded 17 total bases, joining only seven others players who have ever done so in a game.
Cementing His Legacy
Ohtani's 51 home runs stand as the most ever hit by a Japanese-born player, a significant achievement that adds to his already storied career. He reached the revered 40-40 club faster than any player in history, accomplishing this in just 129 team games. Moreover, his career highs in both home runs and stolen bases this season are evidence of his multifaceted talent.
The player's current standing in stolen bases at 51 also brings him closer to the record for most stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player, held by Ichiro Suzuki with 56 bases in 2001. Given Ohtani's pace, this record seems well within reach.
A Halting Pitcher's Journey
What makes Ohtani's accomplishments even more extraordinary is that he has been exclusively hitting this season, following elbow surgery last September. Despite the setback, last season was hardly stalled for him; he led the league with 44 home runs, pitched 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts, and earned his second unanimous MVP award.
Team Success and Individual Glory
Beyond his individual accolades, Ohtani has also been instrumental in the Dodgers' team success. The Dodgers have already clinched a postseason berth, much owing to Ohtani’s phenomenal contributions. He has set numerous records while steering his team to victories.
Record-Breaking Moments
Ohtani became the first player ever to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game, an achievement that adds another historic moment to his season. His ability to drive in games with both power and speed makes him a unique asset to the Dodgers and a player the game has rarely seen.
Not to be forgotten, Mookie Betts was the last player to hit two home runs and steal two bases in a game, a feat he accomplished on August 23, 2020. However, Ohtani's performance continually raises the bar for what a baseball player can achieve.
Reflecting the sentiments of many baseball enthusiasts and professionals, a commentary stated, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history." The gravity of such words further emphasizes the unprecedented nature of Ohtani's achievements.
Green, a notable figure in the sport, echoed these feelings by saying, "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."
Looking Ahead
As the regular season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Ohtani as he aims to surpass more records and lead his team in the postseason. His performance this year has set a new standard for what is possible in the sport, and fans, peers, and analysts alike will be watching to see what he accomplishes next.