Historic Milestone: Ohtani Hits 50 Home Runs and Steals 50 Bases
In an unprecedented feat in Major League Baseball history, Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani has accomplished the remarkable milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. This historic achievement unfolded during the 2024 season, marking a poignant chapter in the annals of baseball.
Ohtani's monumental performance was on full display last Thursday, where he not only propelled his home run tally to an impressive 51 by hitting three homers in the same game but also racked up his 50th and 51st stolen bases. This extraordinary display of athleticism contributed to the Dodgers' commanding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.
Remarkable Consistency and Record-Breaking Streak
This season has been particularly special for Ohtani, as it marked the 13th time he hit a home run and stole a base in the same game. This stellar performance ties the single-season record set by the legendary Rickey Henderson in 1986. With nine games still remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has the golden opportunity to surpass Henderson’s mark, further cementing his legacy in MLB history.
Ohtani's 51 home runs this season are a new record for Japanese-born players, surpassing any performance seen before. Additionally, Ichiro Suzuki's record of 56 stolen bases in 2001 is in clear sight, with Ohtani needing just six more steals to set yet another Japanese milestone.
Shohei Ohtani: The Unstoppable Force
The 2024 season has seen Ohtani exclusively batting, a decision influenced by elbow surgery he underwent last September. This injury might have limited his pitching capabilities, but it hasn't dulled his prowess at the plate or on the bases. Last season, Ohtani led the league with 44 home runs and also displayed his pitching finesse with 132 innings, a 3.14 ERA, and 167 strikeouts, earning his second unanimous MVP award.
However, 2024 has been a year of career highs for Ohtani. His previous best of 46 home runs, achieved in 2021, now seems a distant memory. This season, Ohtani has also shattered his personal record for stolen bases, having never exceeded 26 in a season before. His staggering 51 steals include significant monthly contributions of five in April, eight in May, three in June, 12 in July, 15 in August, and eight in September. Notably, Ohtani has amassed more steals in the second half of the season (28) than the first half (23), even while playing 38 fewer games.
Exceptional Performance and Record-Breaking Moments
One of the highlights of this landmark season came when Ohtani became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game, a feat only two other players in MLB have accomplished before. Mark Reynolds last drove in 10 runs back on July 7, 2018. The single-game record for RBIs stands at 12, held by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten.
Additionally, Ohtani recorded 17 total bases in a single game, a rare accomplishment achieved by only seven players in baseball history. Remarkably, Ohtani is the first to reach this figure without hitting four home runs in that game.
Reflection and Accolades
Ohtani's sensational form and relentless drive have inevitably drawn praise from peers and pundits alike. A notable mention came from an old record-setter, commenting, "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." The admiration is well-deserved, showcasing the high regard in which Ohtani is held within the baseball community.
As the curtain gradually draws to a close on the regular season, Ohtani's blistering pace, extraordinary skill set, and innate ability to break new ground continue to captivate fans and set new benchmarks in Major League Baseball. Indeed, as one commentator aptly put it, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history."
Clinching a postseason berth already, the Dodgers and their talisman Ohtani look poised not only to extend their exceptional performances on the field but also to create and break more records, epitomizing the thrill and unpredictable beauty of the sport.