In an unprecedented feat for Major League Baseball, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has secured his place in the annals of history by becoming the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. The dual-threat sensation achieved this milestone in 2024, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most remarkable athletes the sport has ever seen.
A Historic Night
On a memorable Thursday, Ohtani blasted his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season, while also stealing his 50th and 51st bases during the same game. His exceptional performance was pivotal in the Dodgers' 20-4 rout over the Miami Marlins, exemplifying his impact on the field.
Adding to this historic night, Ohtani became the first player in Major League history to both hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game. Such an achievement places him in a league of his own, with only 19 prior instances of a player hitting two home runs and stealing two bases in a single game.
Breaking and Tying Records
This season, Ohtani has matched and even surpassed historical benchmarks. With his latest achievements, he tied the single-season record set by Rickey Henderson in 1986 for the most games with a home run and a stolen base, reaching this mark an astonishing 13 times. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani is well-positioned to break Henderson's longstanding record.
Not only has Ohtani set personal records, but he has also etched his name in Dodgers' franchise history by setting the single-season home run record. His 51 homers surpass his previous career-high of 46, achieved in 2021, and are the most ever hit by a Japanese-born player in a single season. Meanwhile, his 51 stolen bases bring him closer to Ichiro Suzuki's record of 56 stolen bases in a season by a Japanese-born player, set in 2001.
Consistent Excellence
Ohtani's consistency is beyond remarkable. He reached the coveted 40-40 club faster than any player in history, accomplishing this in just 129 team games. His prowess has been on full display, notching career highs in both homers and stolen bases. Interestingly, Ohtani had never stolen more than 26 bases in a season before 2024, but has shown unparalleled growth this year.
Ohtani's progress throughout the season is evident in his month-by-month stolen base tally: five in April, eight in May, three in June, 12 in July, 15 in August, and eight thus far in September. Notably, he has stolen more bases in the second half of the season (28) than in the first half (23), despite playing 38 fewer games.
Unmatched Versatility
Ohtani's achievements extend beyond the batter's box and the basepaths. He made headlines last season by leading the league with 44 home runs, pitching 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA, and racking up 167 strikeouts. These stellar performances earned him his second unanimous MVP award, underscoring his all-around excellence.
Unfortunately, an elbow surgery last September has limited Ohtani to solely hitting this season. Yet, even with this constraint, he has continued to shine, contributing significantly to the Dodgers clinching a postseason berth.
Praise from Peers and Pundits
The respect Ohtani commands is reflected in the words of those around him. One peer noted, "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."
A commentator echoed this sentiment, succinctly summing up Ohtani's impact: "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history."
As the Dodgers make their postseason push, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Ohtani, marveling at his continued ability to rewrite the record books and inspire future generations. Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season is a testament to the limitless potential of a truly exceptional athlete.