Ohtani becomes first MLB player to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in season

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani made Major League Baseball history on Thursday, becoming the first player ever to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season during the Dodgers’ 20-4 win over the Miami Marlins.

Ohtani established the milestone in the seventh inning when he launched a curveball from Miami’s Mike Baumann over the left-centerfield wall. The two-run shot came after Ohtani had already secured his 49th homer and 51st stolen base earlier in the game. His second home run of the night, a 438-foot blast, tied Shawn Green’s record for most home runs in a single season by a Dodgers player, set in 2001.

By the time the game concluded, Ohtani had added a third home run, finishing with 51 homers and 51 steals on the season. His six-for-six performance included two doubles, driving in 10 runs and scoring four times in a dominant display.

“This is a game that has been played for over 200 years,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, addressing his players after the game. “And this is something that has never been done.”

Clinching a playoff berth

The victory not only highlighted Ohtani’s personal achievements but also clinched the Dodgers’ postseason berth. This will be Ohtani’s first playoff appearance, a notable milestone after missing the postseason during his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels, where he earned two American League MVP awards.

Despite the historic feat, Ohtani kept the focus on the team’s win. “I’m glad that the team won,” he said through a translator. “It was something I wanted to get over as quickly as possible.”

Ohtani’s accomplishments have captivated fans and media both in the U.S. and his native Japan, where his achievements have been met with widespread admiration. In Tokyo, government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi offered congratulations, saying, “We sincerely hope Mr. Ohtani, who has already accomplished feat after feat and carved out a new era, will thrive further.”

Ramping up for the playoffs

Although Ohtani has been sidelined from pitching duties this season following surgery on his throwing elbow, he has continued to make an impact with his bat and base-running. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation and has been seen throwing bullpen sessions as he works toward returning to the mound.

His free-agent signing with the Dodgers last December made headlines, with the 30-year-old agreeing to a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract. Since then, Ohtani has not only lived up to expectations but has also continued to set new records, including becoming MLB’s all-time home run leader among Japanese-born players earlier this season.

With Ohtani now setting the standard for the elusive 50-50 club, his teammates and fans alike are eager to see what further accomplishments the postseason will bring for the Japanese phenom, nicknamed “Sho-Time.”

Japan reacts to Ohtani’s historic night

Back in Japan, Ohtani’s accomplishments have dominated news coverage and social media. Newspapers rushed out special editions in Tokyo and his hometown of Iwate, with one resident telling NHK, “As a fellow Iwate native, I’m proud of him.”

Social media users on platforms such as X, formerly Twitter, expressed their astonishment at the historic performance. “He is too incredible… truly superhuman,” one user wrote.

As the Dodgers head into the playoffs, all eyes will be on Ohtani to see how he can further elevate his already unprecedented career.