Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani made Major League Baseball history on Thursday, becoming the inaugural member of the 50-50 club—an elite group representing players who hit 50 or more home runs and steal 50 or more bases in a single season. Ohtani achieved this remarkable feat during a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
SHOHEI OHTANI HAS DONE IT
50 HOME RUNS | 50 STOLEN BASES
HISTORY pic.twitter.com/GRVJUCbpja
— MLB (@MLB) September 19, 2024
In a historic performance, Ohtani hit his 50th home run in the top of the seventh inning, having already stolen his 50th and 51st bases earlier in the game. He finished the day an astonishing 6-for-6 at the plate, including three home runs, two stolen bases, and ten RBIs—an offensive display unmatched this season.
The day began with Ohtani hitting a double and stealing his 50th base in the first inning. He followed that with a single and stole his 51st base shortly after. In the sixth inning, he connected for his 49th home run, a two-run shot off Marlins reliever George Soriano. One inning later, he celebrated his entry into the record books with a three-run homer off Mike Baumann, momentarily standing at the plate to soak in the moment before rounding the bases. His teammates welcomed him with cheers and a rare curtain call.
Ohtani’s historic day didn’t end there; he blasted a record-setting 51st home run in the ninth inning, surpassing Shawn Green’s previous Dodgers single-season record. After the game, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m glad that the team won. It was something that I wanted to get over as quickly as possible and you know it’s something that I’m going to cherish for a very long time.”
This landmark achievement brought waves of celebration back home in Japan, where newspapers rushed to print special editions announcing Ohtani’s success. Top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi extended his congratulations, saying, “We would like to congratulate him from the bottom of our heart.”
Before Ohtani’s milestone, the closest anyone had come to the 50-50 mark was Ronald Acuña Jr., who stole 73 bases and hit 41 home runs in the 2023 season. Other notable players in the 40-40 club include José Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, and Alfonso Soriano, but none have matched Ohtani’s unique blend of power and speed.
Ohtani, who previously starred for the Los Angeles Angels as both a pitcher and a hitter, signed a historic $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Although he underwent elbow surgery and has not pitched this season, he remains a strong contender for the NL MVP award, boasting a .294 batting average and 51 home runs.
Despite facing personal challenges earlier in the season, including issues surrounding his longtime interpreter, Ohtani has emerged stronger. “This has been a uniquely challenging time, so I am especially grateful for my support team,” he stated. “It’s time to close this chapter, move on, and continue to focus on playing and winning ballgames.”
With the Dodgers clinching a playoff spot after their 20-4 victory over the Marlins, Ohtani is poised for his first chance to shine in October, a significant milestone after his previous teams never reached the postseason during his tenure. “Although I switched uniforms, my goal was always to be in the playoffs, and I’m glad that we were able to make it today,” he reflected after the game.
As he continues to dazzle on the field, all eyes will remain on Ohtani, the sole founder of the 50-50 club, and his pursuit of further greatness in the world of baseball.