For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a player has achieved the remarkable milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same season. This historic feat was accomplished by the extraordinary Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani's achievement came during a riveting game where he hammered his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season. To amplify his already stellar performance, Ohtani also swiped his 50th and 51st bases, propelling his team to a decisive 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. This groundbreaking dual accomplishment has captivated the baseball world, earning Ohtani a place in the annals of the sport.
A Season of Firsts
Ohtani's amazing run this season includes several other noteworthy accomplishments. Thursday's game marked the 13th occasion this season where he hit a home run and stole a base in the same game, tying the single-season record set by Rickey Henderson in 1986. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has a prime opportunity to surpass Henderson's storied mark.
In addition, Ohtani's 51 home runs this year are the most ever by a Japanese-born player. He achieved the 40-40 club faster than any other player in history, reaching the milestone in just 129 games. This extraordinary performance is even more impressive considering Ohtani has been exclusively hitting due to elbow surgery last September, which sidelined his pitching duties for the season.
A Record-Breaking Pace
Ohtani's achievements this season also include setting the Dodgers' single-season franchise record for home runs. Previously, his career high was 46 home runs, set in 2021. On the basepaths, Ohtani had never stolen more than 26 bases in a season before this year. However, in 2024, he shattered that personal record, swiping an astounding 51 bases. His month-by-month totals illustrate his growing prowess, with five in April, eight in May, three in June, twelve in July, fifteen in August, and eight so far in September.
Ohtani's increased activity on the bases is even more impressive in the second half of the season. He has managed 28 steals in the latter part of the season despite playing 38 fewer games than in the first half, where he recorded 23 steals.
Reaction to an Unprecedented Feat
Ohtani's record-breaking season has drawn widespread praise and admiration. Reflecting on his new milestone, baseball commentator Green remarked, "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 sentiment was echoed by another commentator who stated, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history."
A Season for the Ages
Last season, Ohtani also demonstrated his versatility and skill. He led the league with 44 home runs and pitched 132 innings, boasting a 3.14 ERA along with 167 strikeouts. His remarkable contributions earned him his second unanimous MVP award. This season, his dedication and drive have not only fueled his success but also ensured the Dodgers' clinching of a postseason berth.
A game for the ages saw Ohtani become the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in ten runs in a single game. Only Mark Reynolds, back on July 7, 2018, has driven in as many runs in recent history. The ultimate single-game record for RBI is 12, held jointly by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten. Ohtani also joined an elite group of just seven players to accumulate 17 total bases in a single game, and he did so without hitting four home runs – another testament to his all-around game.
As the season progresses, the baseball world watches in anticipation of what Ohtani will accomplish next. With his current stats, he has already secured his place in history, but his relentless drive and talent suggest that more records could fall before the year's end. Ohtani's story is one of passion, skill, and an unyielding love for the game, making him a player for the ages and a true icon in Major League Baseball.