Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History With 50 Home Runs, 50 Stolen Bases
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
In a historic display of power and speed, Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani etched his name in the MLB record books by becoming the first player to amass 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani’s milestone achievement unfolded during a riveting game against the Miami Marlins on Thursday, where he not only showcased his slugging prowess but also his lightning-fast baserunning.
Ohtani launched his monumental 50th home run in the seventh inning, delivering a majestic opposite-field two-run homer to left off Marlins reliever Mike Baumann. This came shortly after his 49th home run, a towering 438-foot blast to the second deck in right-center off a slider from George Soriano. Earlier in the contest, Ohtani swiftly bagged his 50th and 51st stolen bases, initially taking third during a double steal alongside Freddie Freeman, who had walked.
Starting the game with a double against Edward Cabrera, Ohtani’s flawless execution on the base paths marked his 28th consecutive successful steal, underscoring a season of unrelenting consistency and strategic baserunning.
Ohtani reached this historic milestone in his 150th game of the season, showcasing an unprecedented blend of speed and power previously unseen in the major leagues. Already recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, Ohtani had set a previous high of 46 homers with the Los Angeles Angels in 2021, a season where he also clinched his first of two AL MVP awards and made 23 starts as a pitcher.
Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts remarked on Ohtani’s increased aggression on the bases, noting his keen interest in the art of stealing bases and his adeptness at reading pitchers—a skill that has evidently paid dividends. Ohtani’s performance this season, especially in the absence of pitching duties due to recovery from elbow surgery, has allowed him to fully channel his energies into becoming a formidable hitter and baserunner, thus solidifying his status as one of baseball’s most exceptional talents.
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