Shohei Ohtani’s Historic 50-50 Season: A New Era in Baseball
Shohei Ohtani has done it. The Los Angeles Dodgers star has achieved a feat that has never been seen before in Major League Baseball: a 50-50 season, with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same year. Remarkably, he accomplished this milestone with nine games to spare, solidifying his place in the annals of baseball history.
The 51-51 Club
In a game that will be remembered for ages, Ohtani not only reached the 50-50 milestone but also entered the exclusive 51-51 club. This achievement came while he was instrumental in helping the Dodgers clinch the first playoff berth of his career. His performance that day was nothing short of legendary: a staggering 6-for-6 at the plate, featuring three home runs, two stolen bases, two doubles, four runs scored, and an astonishing 10 RBIs. His 50th home run broke Shawn Green’s long-standing record for the most home runs in a single season for the Dodgers, set back in 2001.
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place in the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins, where Ohtani’s prowess shone brightly. He had already made his mark early in the game, stealing third base after opening with a double in the first inning. This aggressive play set the tone for the rest of the game, as he later scored, giving the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead.
A Game for the Ages
Ohtani’s offensive display was not just about numbers; it was a masterclass in hitting and base running. He added his 51st steal in the second inning after reaching base on an RBI single, effortlessly taking second base without a throw. His 49th home run came in the sixth inning, a powerful shot measured by Statcast at 111.2 mph off the bat, traveling an impressive 438 feet to extend the Dodgers’ lead to 9-3.
Interestingly, Ohtani was just moments away from completing a cycle, having been thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple earlier in the game. The grand finale arrived in the ninth inning against position-player pitcher Vidal Brujan, where Ohtani launched his third home run of the game. This remarkable feat made him the first player in MLB history to hit three homers and steal two bases in a single game, while also marking only the 16th instance of a player achieving 10 RBIs in a game.
Tying Historical Records
Thursday’s game was also significant for Ohtani in another way: it marked his 13th game of the season with at least one home run and one stolen base. This achievement ties him with the legendary Rickey Henderson, who set the record in 1986. Ohtani’s ability to combine power hitting with speed on the bases has redefined what it means to be a dual-threat player in modern baseball.
A Season of Unprecedented Achievements
Beyond the 51-51 milestone, Ohtani’s first season with the Dodgers has been filled with remarkable achievements. Earlier in the season, he became the sixth player in MLB history to reach the 40-40 club, joining the ranks of legends like Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, and Alex Rodríguez. Ohtani reached this milestone in record time, achieving it earlier than any of his predecessors.
His 40th home run was particularly memorable, coming as a walk-off grand slam that electrified the crowd. Ohtani’s journey didn’t stop there; he matched Alex Rodríguez’s previous record of 42 home runs and 42 stolen bases on August 28, and just two days later, he surpassed it, further cementing his status as a baseball phenomenon.
Record-Breaking Contracts and Future Potential
Ohtani’s impact on the game extends beyond the field. He signed a historic contract with the Dodgers worth $700 million, setting records for both the size of the contract and the amount of deferred money involved. Even after undergoing UCL surgery at the end of the 2023 season, Ohtani continues to defy expectations, showcasing his ability to perform at an elite level.
His current home run total surpasses his previous career high of 46 set in 2021, and he has already shattered his best in stolen bases, which was 26, also in 2021. As he leads the National League in home runs and ranks just behind Elly De La Cruz in stolen bases, Ohtani’s 2023 season is a testament to his extraordinary talent and relentless drive.
A Legacy in the Making
Shohei Ohtani has built his career on being unprecedented. His 51-51 season is not just a statistical achievement; it represents a new era in baseball where the boundaries of what is possible are continually being pushed. As fans and analysts alike marvel at his accomplishments, one thing is clear: Ohtani is not just a player; he is a phenomenon, and his legacy is only just beginning to unfold.