In a dazzling display of skill, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani achieved a historic milestone on Thursday, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to reach both 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. This remarkable feat unfolded during a game against the Miami Marlins, where Ohtani delivered a career-high performance with three home runs and ten runs batted in (RBIs), solidifying his place in baseball lore as he hit his 50th home run and stole his 50th base. By the end of the contest, he had amassed an impressive tally of 51 for each statistic, marking a pivotal moment for the 30-year-old star.
With a three-run homer in the seventh inning, Ohtani officially joined the exclusive “50-50 club,” a milestone he had been inching towards for weeks. “It was something that I wanted to get over as quickly as possible,” said Ohtani, a two-time American League MVP. “It’s something that I’m going to cherish for a very long time.” His outstanding performance not only marked a personal achievement but also secured the Dodgers a playoff berth, setting the stage for Ohtani’s first postseason appearance after missing the playoffs in each of his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers was highly publicized, following a staggering 10-year, $700 million contract—reportedly the largest in North American sports history. Interestingly, Ohtani has opted to defer more than 97% of his contract until after the term ends, currently taking home $2 million annually. This strategic financial decision helps mitigate his personal tax burden while balancing the Dodgers’ competitive payroll structure. The franchise, having dominated the National League West with ten division titles in the past eleven seasons, viewed Ohtani as a transformative talent expected to elevate the team’s aspirations.
Despite facing physical challenges this season, including elbow surgery last September that limited his pitching ability, Ohtani has delivered a sensational debut season with the Dodgers. He has shattered the franchise record by hitting 51 home runs, surpassing Shawn Green’s previous record, while maintaining an impressive .294 batting average. His remarkable achievements have propelled the Dodgers to a 91-62 record and first place in the NL West with just nine games remaining in the regular season.
The 50-50 milestone positions Ohtani in an elite category, with only a few players in history nearing this achievement. Prior to Ohtani, the closest were Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, who stole 73 bases and hit 41 home runs in 2023, and Alex Rodriguez, who hit 42 home runs and stole 46 bases in 1998. Ohtani also made headlines last month as the fastest player to reach the 40-40 mark, accomplishing this feat in the Dodgers’ 129th game of the season, joining the ranks of only three players in franchise history to achieve a 30-30 season.
As he looks toward potential postseason play, Ohtani remains a frontrunner for the National League MVP award, a recognition that would be unprecedented for a player exclusively designated as a hitter. His recovery from elbow surgery has progressed well, with speculation around his potential return to the mound increasing as he threw off a mound in practice for the first time since his surgery last month.
Amid the excitement surrounding his on-field accomplishments, Ohtani has faced off-field challenges as well. In June, his longtime interpreter and friend, Ippei Mizuhara, pleaded guilty to fraud and tax charges for embezzling nearly $17 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts. The situation raised questions about Ohtani’s knowledge of the misconduct, but both parties maintained that he was unaware of Mizuhara’s gambling addiction. Ohtani expressed gratitude for his support network during this tumultuous time, stating, “This has been a uniquely challenging time, so I am especially grateful for my support team.”
As the Dodgers prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating postseason, the focus has shifted back to Ohtani’s extraordinary talent on the field. With a twelfth consecutive playoff berth on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Ohtani’s remarkable career, wondering just how much more history he might create as the postseason approaches.
