For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a player has accomplished what once seemed unthinkable: hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same season. This remarkable milestone belongs to none other than Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who has been rewriting the record books throughout the 2024 season.
Ohtani's Historic Night
On a memorable Thursday, Ohtani launched his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season, while also swiping his 50th and 51st bases in a single game. His dazzling performance led the Dodgers to a commanding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. It's moments like these that underscore why Ohtani is often hailed as the greatest player to ever grace the diamond.
Breaking New Ground
"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," remarked a baseball legend, reflecting the general sentiment around Ohtani's historic achievement. Indeed, it was the 13th time Ohtani had hit a home run and stolen a base in the same game this season, tying Rickey Henderson's single-season record set in 1986. Ohtani now has nine games left in the regular season to potentially surpass Henderson.
Dominance on Both Sides of the Ball
Ohtani's stats speak volumes about his dual-threat capabilities. His 51 home runs are the highest ever recorded by a Japanese-born player in Major League Baseball. Additionally, he now stands just five stolen bases shy of Ichiro Suzuki’s record of 56, which was set in 2001. Even more impressive, Ohtani ascended to the 40-40 club faster than any player in history, achieving the feat in just 129 team games.
Overcoming Adversity
This season, Ohtani has been solely focusing on hitting due to elbow surgery performed last September. Despite not pitching, his offensive contributions have been nothing short of extraordinary. Last season, he led the league with 44 home runs, pitched 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA, and earned his second unanimous MVP award. This season, he has set career highs in both home runs and stolen bases, surpassing his previous best of 46 home runs set in 2021, and shattering his own record of 26 stolen bases in a season.
A Game for the Ages
The game in which Ohtani hit his 50th home run and stole his 50th base was historic in more ways than one. Not only did he become the first player in Dodgers history to drive in 10 runs in a single game, but he also amassed 17 total bases—an exclusive club that includes only seven other players. Remarkably, Ohtani achieved this without hitting four home runs in that game.
Moreover, he set a new single-season franchise record for home runs for the Dodgers. While Mark Reynolds was the last player to drive in 10 runs in a game back in 2018, and Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten hold the single-game record for RBIs at 12, Ohtani's incredible versatility continues to set him apart.
The Second Half Surge
Ohtani's prowess intensified as the season progressed. He stole five bases in April, eight in May, and three in June. However, it was during July and August that he truly excelled, stealing 12 and 15 bases respectively. With eight additional steals in September so far, Ohtani has more steals in the second half of the season (28) than the first half (23) despite playing 38 fewer games, showcasing his relentless drive and endurance.
Reflections and Expectations
"Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history," exclaimed an observer. It is a sentiment echoed by fans, commentators, and players alike. With the Los Angeles Dodgers clinching a postseason berth, all eyes will be on Ohtani as he continues to redefine what is possible in baseball.
As the 2024 regular season draws to a close, Ohtani stands on the cusp of shattering even more records. Whether or not he breaks Henderson's single-season mark for home runs and stolen bases in a game, Ohtani's extraordinary season has already cemented his legacy. He has transcended the game, becoming a living legend whose feats will be marveled at for generations to come.