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 a single season. This unparalleled feat was accomplished by none other than Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way sensation, Shohei Ohtani, during the 2024 season.
On a remarkable Thursday, Ohtani launched his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season. But he didn't stop there; he also stole his 50th and 51st bases, leading the Dodgers to a resounding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. Ohtani's awe-inspiring performance cemented his status as one of baseball's all-time greats and further solidified his legacy as a history-maker in the sport.
Breaking Records and Making History
Ohtani's performance on Thursday marked the 13th time this season he has hit a home run and stolen 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 the opportunity to surpass Henderson's mark and further etch his name into the annals of baseball history.
Ichiro Suzuki holds the record for most stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player, with 56 bases in 2001. Ohtani, who has already accumulated 51 stolen bases this season, is rapidly closing in on Suzuki's record. Additionally, Ohtani's 51 home runs this season are the most ever by a Japanese-born player, surpassing his own previous career high of 46 home runs set in 2021.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Ohtani's season is how quickly he reached the 40-40 club, achieving this milestone faster than any player in history by doing so in just 129 team games. This remarkable combination of power and speed has left fans and analysts alike in awe of Ohtani's unparalleled talent.
A Phenomenal Journey
Ohtani has been solely focusing on hitting this season due to elbow surgery last September, which has only amplified his offensive production. Last season, despite his injury, Ohtani led the league with 44 home runs, pitched 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts, and secured his second unanimous MVP award.
The Dodgers, who have already clinched a postseason berth, have been buoyed by Ohtani's phenomenal contributions. In addition to his home run and stolen base milestones, Ohtani became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game and to record 17 total bases in one game. Notably, he is the first player ever to achieve 17 total bases in a game without hitting four home runs, a testament to his versatility and consistent offensive output.
Only seven players have ever accumulated 17 total bases in a game, further underscoring the rarity of Ohtani's achievement. Mark Reynolds was the last player to drive in 10 runs in a game on July 7, 2018, and the single-game record for RBIs stands at 12, held by Jim Bottomley and Mark Whiten. Ohtani's record-breaking game was pivotal for the Dodgers as they continue their march toward the playoffs.
Consistent Brilliance
Ohtani's offensive production has been nothing short of extraordinary this season. He has set career highs in both home runs and stolen bases, surpassing his previous bests by a significant margin. Before 2024, Ohtani had never stolen more than 26 bases in a season, and his distribution of stolen bases throughout the season has been impressive. He stole five bases in April, eight in May, three in June, 12 in July, 15 in August, and eight so far in September, demonstrating consistent brilliance across the board.
Ohtani has accumulated more steals in the second half of the season (28) than the first half (23), despite playing 38 fewer games. His unprecedented combination of power and speed, alongside his ability to deliver in crucial moments, has made him an invaluable asset to the Dodgers and a player for the ages.
Acknowledgement from Legends
The baseball world has been quick to acknowledge and celebrate Ohtani's historic achievements. In a statement, a fellow athlete remarked, "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." Such high praise from peers and legends of the game only highlights the magnitude of Ohtani's accomplishments.
As one commentator succinctly put it, "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history." With the regular season drawing to a close and the playoffs on the horizon, baseball fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see what other historic feats Ohtani will achieve. His blend of skill, determination, and showmanship continues to captivate audiences and redefine what is possible in the sport of baseball.