Shohei Ohtani's Historic Milestone: A Season to Remember
In a groundbreaking season for Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has etched his name in the annals of baseball history by becoming the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. This unprecedented achievement took place in 2024, a year that will be remembered for Ohtani’s extraordinary performances on the field.
Ohtani’s historic night culminated on Thursday when he smashed his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season. Not stopping there, he also stole his 50th and 51st bases, showcasing his unparalleled versatility and athleticism. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Dodgers to a resounding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.
The dual-threat superstar tied Rickey Henderson’s single-season record of hitting a home run and stealing a base in the same game, accomplishing this feat thirteen times this season. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has ample opportunity to surpass Henderson's record, adding another accolade to his already illustrious career.
Ohtani’s achievements this season have rewritten the record books for Japanese-born players in MLB. He has set a new benchmark for home runs, surpassing his previous career-high of 46 set in 2021, and is rapidly closing in on Ichiro Suzuki’s record of 56 stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player, established in 2001. With 51 stolen bases so far, Ohtani stands on the brink of yet another significant milestone.
A major factor contributing to Ohtani’s dominant season has been his focus on hitting following elbow surgery last September. Free from the demands of pitching, Ohtani has led the league with a staggering 51 home runs. Last season, he led the league with 44 home runs, pitched 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA, and recorded 167 strikeouts, earning his second unanimous MVP award.
During the latest game, Ohtani's remarkable performance didn't just stop at personal records. He became the first player in Dodgers' history to record 10 RBIs in a single game, a feat last achieved by Mark Reynolds in 2018. Only Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten have ever driven in more runs in a game, holding the single-game RBI record at 12. Ohtani also accumulated 17 total bases during the game, a rare achievement that only seven other players have managed. Remarkably, he did this without hitting four home runs, something that no other player had done before.
Throughout the season, Ohtani has progressively increased his stolen bases each month, with standout months like July, where he stole 12 bases, and August, with 15. This surge in the second half of the season, where he amassed 28 stolen bases compared to 23 in the first half, despite playing 38 fewer games, highlights his relentless drive and endurance.
The Dodgers, buoyed by Ohtani’s stellar performances, have secured a postseason berth, and his contributions will be crucial as they aim for success in the playoffs. Reflecting on this season, one can’t help but marvel at the multifaceted talents of Shohei Ohtani. As sports commentators have noted, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history."
In a touching tribute, Green, whose record Ohtani tied, stated, "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."
This season will be remembered not only for Ohtani's record-breaking feats but also for his ability to elevate the game and inspire fans and fellow players alike. As the regular season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Ohtani to see what further records he might break and the historic legacy he continues to build.