Shohei Ohtani is a legend. On September 19, 2024, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in one season. The two-time MVP is certainly going to secure his third MVP in a few weeks. In his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani has taken his offensive game to another level as he rehabs his arm following Tommy John surgery.
Entering the season, Ohtani had career-highs of 46 home runs and 26 stolen bases — both coming in 2021 when he won his first MVP with the Los Angeles Angels. The iconic star entered Thursday’s game in Miami on the verge of history. With 48 homers and 49 stolen bases to his name, it was only a matter of time before Ohtani became the founding member of the 50/50 club.
Ohtani opened the game with a scorching double off the wall in right-center. A few pitches later, No. 17 stole third to reach 50 SB for the year. After scoring the first run of the game on a sacrifice fly, Ohtani singled in the second inning to extend LA’s lead to 2-0…and stole his 51st base moments later.
The third inning? A two-run double to push the lead to 7-1. In his fourth at-bat of the game, Ohtani launched a massive two-run homer into the second deck for No. 49. One inning later, in the 7th, Ohtani hit No. 50 to left — LA led 14-3. In the 9th…Ohtani crushed a three-run homer to right for No. 51.
6-for-6. Three HR. Two SB. 10 RBI. In addition to starting the 50/50 club, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit three HR and steal two bases in one game. Additionally, no player since 1920 had ever had a 10-RBI day, a six-hit day, a five extra-base hit day, a three-homer day, and a multi-steal day within their career. Naturally, Ohtani accomplished that all in one afternoon.
With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has set career-highs with 51 HR, 51 SB, 123 R, 34 doubles and 120 RBI. 55/55 is certainly within reach and it is hard to doubt that Ohtani will reach those marks. We may be watching the greatest baseball player of all-time.
