For the first time in Major League Baseball history, the remarkable milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season has been achieved. Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers etched his name in the annals of baseball lore by accomplishing this unprecedented feat in the 2024 season, highlighting his prowess as a dual-threat player.
Ohtani's exceptional night on Thursday saw him hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs, while also swiping his 50th and 51st bases. This extraordinary performance led the Dodgers to a resounding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins and added another chapter to what has been a historic season for Ohtani.
A Season to Remember
This milestone marks the 13th time this season that Ohtani has both hit a home run and stolen a base in the same game, tying a single-season record set by the legendary Rickey Henderson in 1986. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has the opportunity to surpass Henderson’s mark, further solidifying his place in baseball history.
Ohtani's impressive statistics continue to shatter records. His 51 home runs are the most ever by a Japanese-born player in a single season, and he joins an elite group of power-speed players by reaching the 40-40 club faster than any player in history, achieving it in just 129 team games. Even more astounding is that Ohtani has surpassed his previous career highs in both home runs and stolen bases, demonstrating his evolution as a player. Previously, his best tally was 46 home runs, set in 2021, and 26 stolen bases.
Due to elbow surgery last September, Ohtani has been exclusively batting this season. Nevertheless, he led the league with 44 home runs last year and earned his second unanimous MVP award. Additionally, he displayed his pitching talent last season by posting a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts over 132 innings pitched.
Historic Game, Epic Feats
Thursday's game was another reminder of Ohtani's exceptional talent and versatility. He became the first player in MLB history to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game, a feat previously achieved by only 19 other players who managed two homers and two steals in a game. He also drove in 10 runs, making him the first player in Dodgers' history to do so in one game. This achievement is rare, with Mark Reynolds being the last player to accomplish such a feat in 2018.
Ohtani’s dominance didn’t stop there. He accumulated 17 total bases during the game, joining a select group of only seven players who have reached this number in a single game. Ohtani is the first to do so without hitting four home runs, showcasing his unique ability to generate offense in multiple ways.
Breaking and Setting Records
The 2024 season has seen Ohtani set the Dodgers' single-season franchise record for home runs while achieving career highs in both home runs and stolen bases. His aggressive baserunning has been particularly noteworthy in the latter part of the season. Ohtani stole five bases in April, eight in May, and three in June. His second-half surge included 12 steals in July, 15 in August, and eight thus far in September. Remarkably, he has more steals in the second half of the season (28) than in the first half (23), despite playing 38 fewer games.
Cementing His Legacy
The Dodgers, bolstered by Ohtani's historic campaign, have clinched a postseason berth, positioning themselves as a formidable force heading into October. Ohtani's incredible contributions have not just led the team to success but have also redefined what one player can accomplish in a season.
As the accolades continue to pile up, the baseball community is quick to recognize Ohtani’s extraordinary achievements. One commentator aptly remarked, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history." Another admirer, simply referred to as Green, praised Ohtani's feat, saying, "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."
Ohtani's 2024 season will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in baseball history, a testament to his unparalleled talent and relentless dedication to the game. As fans and historians alike marvel at his achievements, one thing is clear: Shohei Ohtani is carving out a legacy that will endure for generations to come.