For the first time in the storied annals of Major League Baseball, a player has accomplished the extraordinary feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. This historic milestone was reached by none other than the Los Angeles Dodgers' versatile dynamo, Shohei Ohtani, during the 2024 season.
A Night to Remember
On a memorable Thursday evening, Ohtani showcased his immense talent by blasting his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season. But he did not stop there; Ohtani's relentless spirit carried him to swipe his 50th and 51st bases, contributing profoundly to the Dodgers' overpowering 20-4 triumph over the Miami Marlins.
This wasn't just another game for Ohtani; it marked the 13th instance this season where he simultaneously hit a home run and stole a base in a game. This incredible consistency ties him with the legendary Rickey Henderson, who set the single-season record of 13 such games back in 1986. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has ample opportunity to surpass Henderson’s venerable mark.
Breaking Boundaries and Records
Ohtani's prowess has not only etched his name in MLB history but also set a new standard for Japanese-born players. This season, Ohtani has hit the most home runs ever by a Japanese-born player, eclipsing his own previous career-high of 46 homers set in 2021. Additionally, his 51 stolen bases are rapidly approaching Ichiro Suzuki's record of 56, achieved in 2001, for the most stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player.
Amid a season wherein he has exclusively focused on hitting due to elbow surgery last September, Ohtani’s batting has reached unprecedented heights. Notably, he reached the 40-40 club—40 home runs and 40 stolen bases—faster than any player in history, doing so in just 129 team games. Last year, Ohtani dominated in multiple facets, leading the league with 44 home runs, pitching 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA, and striking out 167 batters, which culminated in his second unanimous MVP award.
Historic Achievements
In a game defined by remarkable achievements, Ohtani continued to rewrite records. He became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game. This extraordinary feat hadn’t been accomplished league-wide since Mark Reynolds did so on July 7, 2018. Ohtani’s record night included amassing 17 total bases, joining an elite club of only seven players to reach that number in a single game.
Showing versatility that few possess, Ohtani achieved these 17 total bases without hitting four home runs, distinguishing his performance even further. With this explosion of offensive prowess, Ohtani set the Dodgers' single-season franchise record for home runs and achieved career highs in both homers and stolen bases this season.
Reflecting on Ohtani's impact, one commentary summed it up aptly by stating, “Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history.” Indeed, Ohtani’s continuous string of accomplishments not only celebrates his individual brilliance but also sets a new benchmark for future generations.
Consistency and Resilience
Interestingly, Ohtani’s base-stealing prowess evolved dramatically over the season. He swiped five bases in April, eight in May, and three in June. But as the season advanced, so did Ohtani's agility on the basepaths. He recorded 12 steals in July, followed by 15 in August, and eight in September to date, culminating with more steals in the second half of the season (28) compared to the first half (23), despite playing 38 fewer games.
In a sport where specialized skills are often highly valued, Shohei Ohtani’s ability to excel across multiple facets is nothing short of revolutionary. Green, reflecting on Ohtani’s feats, expressed his admiration: “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.”
As the Dodgers clinch another postseason berth, Ohtani’s relentless drive and unparalleled versatility make him not just a cornerstone of his team but a luminary in the baseball cosmos. With only nine games left in the regular season, the world watches in anticipation of what new historic milestones Shohei Ohtani will set next.