Shohei Ohtani Makes History with Unprecedented 50-50 Season
For the first time in Major League Baseball history, a player has achieved the extraordinary milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same season. The Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani accomplished this historic feat in the 2024 season, cementing his status as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
On a remarkable Thursday night, Ohtani hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season and stole his 50th and 51st bases, leading the Dodgers to a dominant 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. This performance not only solidified his place in baseball's record books but also showcased Ohtani's exceptional versatility and skill.
Ohtani's unparalleled season has been nothing short of sensational. It was the 13th time this season that he hit a home run and stole a base in the same game, tying the single-season record set by the legendary Rickey Henderson in 1986. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has a strong chance to surpass Henderson's mark.
Ichiro Suzuki holds the record for the most stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player, with 56 bases in 2001. Ohtani, with 51 stolen bases so far this season, is on track to challenge that record as well. Notably, his 51 home runs this season are the most ever hit by a Japanese-born player, further demonstrating his unique talent and adaptability.
Setting records has become a routine for Ohtani. This season, he reached the 40-40 club faster than any player in history, accomplishing the feat in just 129 team games. Despite undergoing elbow surgery last September, Ohtani has been exclusively hitting this season, proving his resilience and determination. Last season, he led the league with 44 home runs and pitched 132 innings, posting a 3.14 ERA with 167 strikeouts. His efforts earned him his second unanimous MVP award.
The Dodgers have already clinched a postseason berth, thanks in large part to Ohtani's standout performances. In addition to his 50-50 milestone, Ohtani became the first player to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game. Prior to this, there had only been 19 instances of a player hitting two home runs and stealing two bases in a game, with Mookie Betts being the last to achieve this on August 23, 2020.
Adding to his list of accomplishments, Ohtani became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game. The last player to drive in 10 runs was Mark Reynolds on July 7, 2018. The single-game record for RBIs stands at 12, held by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten. Ohtani also recorded 17 total bases in a single game, a rare feat achieved by only seven players in MLB history, and he did so without hitting four home runs—another testament to his well-rounded game.
Ohtani continues to break new ground, setting the Dodgers' single-season franchise record for home runs while achieving career highs in both home runs and stolen bases. His previous career high in home runs was 46, set in 2021, and he had never stolen more than 26 bases in a season before 2024.
Throughout the season, Ohtani's stolen bases have been impressive. He stole five bases in April, eight in May, and three in June. However, he picked up the pace significantly in the second half, stealing 12 bases in July, 15 in August, and eight in September to date. Despite playing 38 fewer games in the second half, Ohtani has more steals (28) compared to the first half (23).
Reflecting on Ohtani's achievements, a commentary stated, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history." This sentiment is echoed by many as they witness his unbelievable season. Rickey Henderson himself offered his congratulations, stating, "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."
Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season is a testament to his extraordinary talent, hard work, and dedication. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on a baseball field, fans and analysts alike are left in awe of his achievements and eagerly anticipate what he will accomplish next.