Shohei Ohtani: A Historic 50-50 Season with the Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani has done it. The Los Angeles Dodgers star has achieved a feat that has never been seen before in Major League Baseball: a 50-50 season, with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same year. Remarkably, he accomplished this milestone with nine games to spare, solidifying his place in the annals of baseball history.
The 51-51 Club
In a game that will be remembered for its sheer brilliance, Ohtani not only reached the 50-50 milestone but also entered the exclusive 51-51 club. This historic achievement came while he helped the Dodgers clinch the first playoff berth of his career. His performance was nothing short of legendary: a staggering 6-for-6 outing that included three home runs, two stolen bases, two doubles, four runs scored, and a jaw-dropping 10 RBIs. Ohtani’s 50th home run also broke Shawn Green’s long-standing record for the most home runs in a single season for the Dodgers.
A Game for the Ages
The final piece of the puzzle came in the seventh inning against Miami Marlins reliever Mike Baumann. Earlier in the game, Ohtani had already made his mark by stealing third base after opening the game with a double. He scored the first run of the game, giving the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead. His 51st steal came in the second inning after he reached base on an RBI single, effortlessly taking second base without a throw.
Ohtani’s 49th home run was a monumental shot in the sixth inning, measured by Statcast at 111.2 mph off the bat and traveling an impressive 438 feet, extending the Dodgers’ lead to 9-3. Despite being thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple earlier in the game, Ohtani was tantalizingly close to posting a cycle.
The crowning moment arrived in the ninth inning against position-player pitcher Vidal Brujan. Ohtani launched his third home run of the game, marking the first time in MLB history that a player has recorded three home runs and two stolen bases in a single game. This performance also placed him among the elite, as he became one of only 16 players in MLB history to achieve a 10-RBI game.
Tying Historical Records
Thursday’s game marked Ohtani’s 13th outing of the season where he recorded at least one home run and one stolen base, tying him with the legendary Rickey Henderson for the most such games in MLB history. This statistic underscores Ohtani’s unique ability to impact the game in multiple ways, a trait that has become his trademark.
A Season of Unprecedented Achievements
Beyond his 51-51 season, Ohtani’s first year with the Dodgers has been filled with remarkable milestones. Earlier in the season, he became the sixth player in MLB history to reach the 40-40 club, joining the ranks of legends like Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex RodrÃguez, Alfonso Soriano, and Ronald Acuña Jr. Ohtani achieved this milestone in record time, surpassing the previous earliest date set by Soriano in 2006.
His 40th home run was particularly memorable, as it came in the form of a walk-off grand slam, electrifying the crowd and further cementing his status as a clutch performer. Ohtani’s home run count has now surpassed his previous career high of 46, set during his MVP season in 2021, and he has shattered his previous best in stolen bases, which was 26, also in 2021. Currently, he leads the National League in home runs and ranks just behind Elly De La Cruz in stolen bases.
Record-Breaking Contracts
In addition to his on-field achievements, Ohtani has also made headlines off the field. He set records for both the size of his contract, valued at an astounding $700 million, and the amount of deferred money, totaling $680 million, when he signed with the Dodgers before the start of the season. These figures reflect not only his immense talent but also the marketability and star power he brings to the game.
An Unprecedented Career
Ohtani has built his career on being unprecedented. Even in a season where he is unable to pitch due to undergoing UCL surgery at the end of 2023, he continues to do things that MLB has never seen before. His ability to excel in both hitting and base running sets him apart as one of the most unique talents in the history of the sport.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike are left in awe of what Ohtani has accomplished. His journey through this historic season is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unparalleled skill, making him a player to watch for years to come.