By Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani made baseball history on Thursday, becoming the first Major League player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season during a remarkable performance against the Miami Marlins.
Ohtani hit three home runs and stole two bases in the game, finishing 6-for-6 with 10 RBIs. His 49th homer came in the sixth inning, followed by his milestone 50th in the seventh, and his 51st in the ninth. He is also the first player to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game.
The Japanese superstar reached the 50-50 milestone in his 150th game of the season. He stole his 50th and 51st bases earlier in the game, successfully swiping third as part of a double steal with teammate Freddie Freeman in the first inning.
“I see all the work he puts in,” Dodgers catcher Will Smith said. “It’s not like he goes out there and it’s too easy for him. He works harder than anybody. He scouts really hard. He’s playing a different game so it’s fun to see.”
Ohtani, who signed a $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in December, has played exclusively as a designated hitter this season while rehabilitating from elbow surgery. Despite not pitching, he has reached new offensive heights, surpassing his previous career high of 46 home runs set in 2021 with the Los Angeles Angels.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on Ohtani’s increased base-stealing attempts this season, saying, “He’s not pitching this year so I think he is emptying the tank offensively.”
With the Dodgers headed to the postseason, Ohtani will have his first opportunity to play October baseball, having never reached the playoffs during his tenure with the Angels.
Ohtani’s historic season also puts him in contention for what could be his third career MVP award and potentially the first ever won by a designated hitter who did not also pitch.
As the regular season winds down, baseball fans and analysts alike are marveling at Ohtani’s unprecedented achievements, solidifying his status as one of the game’s most extraordinary talents.
