Shohei Ohtani has made history by becoming the first Major League Baseball player to achieve a season with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. He reached this milestone with his 50th home run during the seventh inning of a game against the Miami Marlins. This accomplishment is even more impressive considering Ohtani has been recovering from Tommy John surgery, which limited him to playing as the Dodgers’ designated hitter this season.
Earlier in the game, Ohtani had already stolen his 50th and 51st bases. This incredible performance adds to his standout stats for the year, which include a .287 batting average, a .978 OPS, and 110 RBIs in 149 games. Despite undergoing a major surgery, Ohtani has continued to excel, showcasing his exceptional talent and resilience.
Ohtani has stolen 50 bags! He needs just two homers to me the first 50/50 player ever pic.twitter.com/81ptl70vtQ
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 19, 2024
The Marlins’ grounds crew marked the historic moment by removing the base Ohtani stole, though it’s unclear whether it will go to Ohtani’s personal collection or to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. His reaction to the achievement was characteristically modest, but fans and commentators alike are celebrating this unprecedented feat in baseball history.
Ohtani now has the opportunity to set even more records as the Dodgers return home for a six-game series against the Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres. With just two more home runs needed to complete the historic 50/50 season, all eyes will be on him as he aims to accomplish what no player has done before.
