The 2024 Major League Baseball season has etched itself into the annals of history, courtesy of a series of unprecedented performances by Los Angeles Dodgers' phenom, Shohei Ohtani. For the first time in MLB history, a player has hit 50 home runs and stolen 50 bases in a single season—a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about Ohtani's extraordinary talent and versatility.
The Japanese-born superstar has continued to push the boundaries of what many believed was possible, reaching his milestone in unforgettable style.
A Game for the Ages
The historic achievement came during a monumental game where Ohtani hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season. But he wasn't done there; Ohtani also stole his 50th and 51st bases, propelling the Dodgers to a resounding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. This was the 13th time this season that Ohtani has hit a home run and stolen a base in the same game, tying Rickey Henderson's single-season record set in 1986. With nine games left in the regular season, Ohtani has a real shot at surpassing this iconic record.
Record-Breaking Performances
Ohtani has been smashing records left and right this season. His 51 home runs are the most ever by a Japanese-born player, shattering previous benchmarks. Ichiro Suzuki's record of 56 stolen bases in a single season by a Japanese-born player, set in 2001, still stands, but Ohtani is just five steals away from matching that milestone.
To add to his list of accolades, Ohtani became the first player in Dodgers' history to drive in 10 runs in a single game, a feat so rare that it has only been achieved by one other player in recent years—Mark Reynolds, in 2018. During the same game, Ohtani's 17 total bases set another mark, making him one of only seven players ever to accumulate that many in a single contest. And yet, he did it without hitting four home runs—a testament to his all-around offensive prowess.
A Season Like No Other
Ohtani's journey to this extraordinary season is as remarkable as the stats themselves. Exclusively hitting this year due to elbow surgery last September, he has nonetheless led the league in multiple categories. Last season, Ohtani was the league leader with 44 home runs, pitched 132 innings with a 3.14 ERA, and earned his second unanimous MVP award. As if that weren’t enough, he led the league with 167 strikeouts on the mound. But it’s his offensive fireworks that have captured the world's imagination this season.
Ohtani’s previous career high was 46 home runs, set in 2021, and he had never stolen more than 26 bases in any season before 2024. This year’s numbers—51 home runs and 51 stolen bases—represent not just personal bests for Ohtani, but new benchmarks for all future players aspiring to reach such heights. His rapid-fire surge into the 40-40 club, completing the feat in just 129 team games, further underscores his unique abilities.
The Impact on the Dodgers
Because of Ohtani's exceptional performance, the Dodgers have already clinched a postseason berth, positioning them as one of the most formidable teams heading into October baseball. The ripple effect of his contributions extends beyond just stats and records; he has become a linchpin for the Dodgers' offensive and defensive strategies.
Celebrating Ohtani’s unprecedented achievements, figures in the baseball community have been quick to recognize his greatness. “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," remarked a former player with admiration. Another voice summed it up succinctly: “Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history.”
As the season winds down, all eyes will be on this singular talent to see what else he can accomplish. With nine games remaining, the potential for further record-breaking feats looms large. It’s a remarkable time for baseball fans and a chapter in the sport’s history that will be remembered for generations.
Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season is not just a testament to individual brilliance but an epitome of the heights that can be achieved through dedication, talent, and an indomitable spirit. As we continue to witness history in the making, one thing remains clear: Ohtani’s legend is only just beginning.