Historic Achievement: Shohei Ohtani's Record-Breaking Season
In a season defined by unparalleled excellence, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has once again etched his name into Major League Baseball history. Ohtani has become the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, a milestone that cemented his status as one of the game's greatest talents.
Ohtani's unprecedented feat was realized in a Thursday game against the Miami Marlins, where he electrified fans by hitting his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs. Not stopping there, Ohtani also stole his 50th and 51st bases, contributing significantly to the Dodgers' 20-4 rout of the Marlins.
His exceptional performance drew admiration from all corners of the baseball world. "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 an enthusiastic Green.
This remarkable game marked the 13th time Ohtani has hit a home run and stolen a base in the same game this season, tying the single-season record set by the legendary Rickey Henderson in 1986. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani stands on the cusp of surpassing Henderson's mark and setting a new standard.
Among Japanese-born players, Ohtani's achievements stand head and shoulders above the rest. His 51 home runs this season are the most ever by a Japanese-born player, and he is steadily closing in on Ichiro Suzuki's record of 56 stolen bases in a single season. With 51 stolen bases to his name already, Ohtani is poised to make further history.
Adding another accolade to his name this year, Ohtani reached the 40-40 club faster than any player in history, achieving this milestone in just 129 team games. This performance comes despite being exclusively a hitter this season due to elbow surgery last September, showcasing his incredible versatility and talent.
Ohtani's dominance is not new to baseball fans. Last season, he led the league with 44 home runs, pitched 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA, and notched 167 strikeouts. His outstanding two-way play earned him his second unanimous MVP award.
What makes Ohtani's performance even more compelling is his historical game against the Marlins. He became the first player to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game, an achievement previously unheard of. Prior to this, there had been only 19 instances where a player hit two home runs and stole two bases in a game. The last player to accomplish this was Mookie Betts on August 23, 2020.
Ohtani’s offensive prowess was further highlighted as he drove in 10 runs, setting a Dodgers record. Mark Reynolds was the last player to record 10 RBIs in a game back on July 7, 2018. The current single-game RBI record stands at 12, held by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten, but Ohtani's jaw-dropping performance is nonetheless historic. Additionally, his 17 total bases in a single game place him among an elite group of just seven players. Notably, Ohtani is the first to achieve 17 total bases without hitting four home runs.
As the Dodgers advance to the postseason, having clinched their berth, Ohtani's heroics continue to capture the imagination of the baseball community. "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history," aptly summarized a commentator, underscoring the magnitude of his contributions to the sport.
In 2024, Ohtani smashed his previous career highs, surpassing his earlier record of 46 home runs set in 2021 and shattering his former best of 26 stolen bases. His stolen bases this year exhibit a notable trajectory, with five in April, eight in May, and three in June, followed by an impressive 12 in July, 15 in August, and eight thus far in September. Interestingly, Ohtani has more steals in the second half of the season (28) than the first half (23), despite playing 38 fewer games. This speaks volumes about his sustained energy and agility as the season progresses.
Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season is filled with records, milestones, and an awe-inspiring display of talent and versatility. As he continues to defy conventional boundaries and set new standards, Ohtani's legacy in Major League Baseball is firmly established as one for the ages.