Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History with Unprecedented 50-50 Season
In an accomplishment that has never been witnessed in the storied annals of Major League Baseball, Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani has etched his name into the record books by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. The 2024 season will forever be remembered for Ohtani’s indomitable spirit and unparalleled athletic prowess.
On a momentous Thursday, Ohtani not only hit his 49th, but also capped his incredible achievement by driving his 50th and 51st home runs of the season. Concurrently, he stole his 50th and 51st bases, propelling the Dodgers to an astonishing 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins and in the process, further solidifying his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.
Milestone Achievements
Ohtani's remarkable dual-threat capabilities were on full display as he tied Rickey Henderson’s single-season record of hitting a home run and stealing a base in the same game 13 times. With nine games remaining in the regular season, he is on the cusp of breaking Henderson’s record set in 1986. Ichiro Suzuki's record for most stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player also stands within Ohtani’s reach. Suzuki recorded 56 steals in 2001, while Ohtani has already swiped 51 bases this year.
“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,” praised an unnamed Green, acknowledging Ohtani’s extraordinary contributions to the game.
Dominance and Consistency
Ohtani has achieved personal bests in both home runs and stolen bases this season, surpassing his previous career highs of 46 home runs in 2021 and 26 stolen bases in prior seasons. His meteoric rise to the 40-40 club, achieved faster than any player in history within just 129 team games, is a testament to his relentless dedication and unmatched skill set.
In his relentless campaign, Ohtani has displayed consistent improvement. His month-by-month stolen bases progression is a case in point: five in April, eight in May, three in June, skyrocketing to 12 in July, 15 in August, and a solid eight in September to date. Impressively, he has recorded more steals in the second half of the season (28) than the first half (23), despite playing 38 fewer games.
The Impact of Exclusivity
This season, due to undergoing elbow surgery last September, Ohtani has solely focused on his hitting, foregoing his role as a pitcher. Nonetheless, his previous season’s pitching stats were formidable, with Ohtani leading the league with 44 home runs, pitching 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA, and striking out 167 batters. His extraordinary performance earned him his second unanimous MVP award.
Historic Performance
Ohtani's recent game against the Marlins was nothing short of legendary. He became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game, and only the second in MLB history to achieve this following Mark Reynolds on July 7, 2018. The single-game record for RBI stands at 12, jointly held by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten.
Additionally, Ohtani accumulated 17 total bases in the same game—a feat achieved by only seven other players, making him the first to do so without hitting four home runs. This level of performance was unparalleled and further cemented his place in baseball history.
Setting New Records
Ohtani's 51 home runs this season are the most ever by a Japanese-born player, and he has set a new single-season franchise record for the Dodgers. His ability to achieve such feats while focusing exclusively on hitting is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication.
“Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history,” noted a commentator, encapsulating the essence of Ohtani’s revolutionary impact on the game.
As the Dodgers continue their march into the postseason, having already secured their berth, the baseball world watches in awe. With Ohtani at the helm, anything seems possible. His unparalleled achievements serve as a beacon of inspiration, setting a new gold standard for what is achievable in the sport.