For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a player has reached the remarkable milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same season. Los Angeles Dodgers' superstar Shohei Ohtani achieved this unprecedented feat in 2024, cementing his name in the annals of baseball history.
A Historic Night
On a memorable Thursday night, Ohtani showcased his prodigious talent by launching his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season and stealing his 50th and 51st bases. His incredible performance played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 20-4 routing of the Miami Marlins, a game that will be remembered for its historical significance.
Setting Records
Ohtani's achievement of hitting home runs and stealing bases in the same game has been nothing short of extraordinary. This was the 13th time this season he managed to accomplish such a feat, equaling the single-season record set by the legendary Rickey Henderson in 1986. With nine games left in the regular season, Ohtani stands on the cusp of surpassing Henderson's mark. His 51 home runs are the most ever by a Japanese-born player, and his 51 stolen bases put him within reaching distance of Ichiro Suzuki's record of 56 stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player, set in 2001.
Ohtani's unprecedented 50-50 season is a testament to his versatility and athleticism. He reached the elusive 40-40 club—hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases—faster than any player in MLB history, achieving it in just 129 team games. This season, due to elbow surgery last September, Ohtani has been focusing exclusively on hitting, making his performance even more remarkable.
Unmatched Versatility
The previous season, Ohtani led the league with 44 home runs and showcased his prowess on the mound by pitching 132 innings, posting a 3.14 ERA, and recording 167 strikeouts. His exceptional dual-threat capabilities earned him his second unanimous MVP award. This year, Ohtani continued his meteoric rise, setting career highs in both home runs and stolen bases.
Ohtani's influence extends beyond his statistical achievements. His ability to drive in runs has been particularly noteworthy. He became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game. The last player to accomplish such a feat was Mark Reynolds on July 7, 2018. The single-game RBI record of 12, held jointly by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten, remains unbroken, but Ohtani's 17 total bases in a single game underline his phenom status, becoming the first player to achieve this without hitting four home runs.
Breaking Boundaries
The Dodgers have already clinched a postseason berth, thanks in large part to Ohtani's contributions. His consistent performance has been a driving force behind the team's success. Interestingly, Ohtani stole more bases in the second half of the season (28) than the first half (23) despite playing 38 fewer games. This trend highlights his increasing aggressiveness on the base paths as the season progressed. He stole five bases in April, eight in May, three in June, 12 in July, 15 in August, and has already swiped eight in September.
On a night when history was made, the significance of Ohtani's achievements wasn't lost on his peers and commentators alike. A reflective statement encapsulated the sentiment succinctly: "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history." Such praise encapsulates the essence of Ohtani's impact on the game. Rickey Henderson, whose single-season record Ohtani tied, lauded the achievement, stating, "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."
Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season will forever be remembered as a benchmark for greatness in Major League Baseball. His dual-threat capability, combined with his exceptional consistency and unparalleled versatility, ensures that his name will be synonymous with baseball excellence for generations to come.