Shohei Ohtani's Historic Season: 50 Home Runs and 50 Stolen Bases
In a season that will be remembered as one of the most remarkable in Major League Baseball history, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has achieved a milestone never before seen in the sport: hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same season. This unprecedented feat places Ohtani in a league of his own, affirming his status as one of the greatest players ever to grace the diamond.
A Night for the Ages
On a remarkable Thursday night, Ohtani hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season, while also stealing his 50th and 51st bases. His extraordinary performance propelled the Dodgers to a resounding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.
This game was noteworthy not just for the sheer dominance displayed by Ohtani, but also because it marked the 13th time this season he had managed to both hit a home run and steal a base in the same game. This ties the single-season record set by the legendary Rickey Henderson in 1986, with Ohtani having nine games left in the regular season to exceed this mark.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Ohtani’s achievements this season have not only surpassed his personal bests but have also set new benchmarks in various other categories. His 51 home runs are the most ever hit by a Japanese-born player, eclipsing the previous record held by Hideki Matsui.
Additionally, he reached the legendary 40-40 club—40 home runs and 40 stolen bases—faster than any other player in MLB history, accomplishing this in just 129 team games. His swift journey to this elite club further underscores his unique blend of power and speed.
Overcoming Adversity
This season’s accomplishments are even more impressive considering Ohtani has been exclusively hitting due to undergoing elbow surgery last September. Despite this limitation, he has managed to lead the league in home runs for the second consecutive season, having already hit 44 last year.
Ohtani’s excellence isn't confined to his offensive prowess. Last season, he pitched 132 innings, boasting a 3.14 ERA and striking out 167 batters. His pitching skills, combined with his current hitting spree, earned him his second unanimous MVP award last season—a testament to his all-around talent.
Continued Dominance
The Dodgers have already clinched a postseason berth, thanks in large part to Ohtani's seismic contributions. He has set new single-season franchise records for home runs and achieved career highs in both home runs and stolen bases. His previous career high in home runs was 46, set in 2021, while he had never stolen more than 26 bases in any prior season.
This year, Ohtani has been a consistent threat on the base paths, particularly in the latter half of the season. He stole five bases in April, eight in May, and three in June. His pace picked up considerably thereafter, with 12 steals in July, 15 in August, and eight more so far in September. Remarkably, he has amassed more stolen bases in the second half of the season (28) than the first half (23), despite playing 38 fewer games.
Uncharted Territory
Ohtani’s exploits have not gone unnoticed by the baseball community. Green put it succinctly: “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.” Such accolades underscore Ohtani’s widespread impact and the respect he commands amongst peers and legends of the game.
Commentary also captured the sentiment surrounding Ohtani’s season, stating, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history." This reflection highlights not only Ohtani's current success but also his enduring legacy in the sport.
A Season to Remember
Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of baseball lore. Breaking records, setting new standards, and achieving feats that once seemed unimaginable, Ohtani has captivated fans and inspired players worldwide. As the Dodgers head into the postseason, all eyes will remain on Ohtani to see how this extraordinary season concludes.