In a night to remember, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani etched his name into baseball history, becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. Ohtani achieved this remarkable feat during a commanding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins, finishing the game with 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases.
Ohtani kicked off his historic performance by stealing third base in the first inning, marking his 50th steal. He then tied the Dodgers’ single-season home run record set by Shawn Green in 2001, hitting his 49th home run in the sixth inning. Just one inning later, he smashed his 50th home run, sealing his place in MLB history.
Reflecting on the achievement, the 30-year-old superstar said, “To be honest, I’m the one probably most surprised. I have no idea where this came from, but I’m glad that I performed well today.”
Ohtani, who signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers last December, has solidified his status as one of the highest-earning athletes in the world. With this achievement, he has also broken his own personal milestone, having played 866 games without a postseason appearance until now, as the Dodgers secure a playoff spot for the 12th consecutive year.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred praised Ohtani’s accomplishment, stating, “While Shohei Ohtani has been a groundbreaking player for many years, his latest feat reflects not just his amazing power-and-speed talent, but his character, drive, and commitment to all-around excellence. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I congratulate Shohei on this remarkable achievement. We are proud that he continues to take our game to new heights.”
As fans and players celebrate this unprecedented milestone, Ohtani’s legacy continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of baseball players and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
