MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani captivated a cheering crowd as he delivered a historic performance, achieving a milestone that places him among the greats in Major League Baseball history. The Los Angeles superstar hit his 50th home run during an exhilarating game against the Miami Marlins, making him the first player to record at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
As fans roared and chanted “M-V-P!” Ohtani showcased his remarkable skills, hitting three home runs and stealing two bases in the Dodgers’ 20-4 victory on Thursday, which also clinched a playoff berth for the team.
“It was a lot of emotions because of everything that happens behind the scenes that we got to witness every single day,” said Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas, reflecting on Ohtani’s achievement.
The 700 million dollar franchise cornerstone began the game with 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases. He swiftly took care of the stolen bases, swiping his 50th and 51st early in the game, before hitting his 49th home run in the sixth inning, followed by his 50th in the seventh and 51st in the ninth inning. Ohtani finished the game going 6 for 6 with 10 RBIs, making him the first player to achieve three homers and two stolen bases in one game.
“I have no idea where this came from, but I’m glad that it was going well today,” Ohtani said, expressing his surprise over such an extraordinary performance.
His home runs showcased impressive power, with two traveling into the second deck of LoanDepot Park. Ohtani’s stunning exploits not only set a new Dodgers’ franchise record of 49 home runs but also made him the third player in league history to achieve six hits, three homers, and 10 RBIs in one game, joining the ranks of Walker Cooper and Anthony Rendon.
LeBron James praised Ohtani’s remarkable talent with an enthusiastic post on social media, stating, “THIS GUY IS UNREAL!!!”
With 120 RBIs, Ohtani trails only Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, who leads with 136 RBIs alongside his 53 home runs. Hitting the 50-50 milestone in his 150th game, Ohtani previously became the fastest player in MLB history to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season, accomplishing it in just 126 games.
Ohtani, who previously had a career-high of 46 home runs during the 2021 season with the Angels, now boasts a highlight reel that impressively blends his pitching and batting talents. Due to an elbow injury, he has focused solely on hitting this season.
“I’ve had perhaps the most memorable moments here in my career,” Ohtani reflected on his time at LoanDepot Park, where he previously starred during the World Baseball Classic.
While his teammates have admired his exceptional skills, manager Dave Roberts noted that Ohtani appears to be maximizing his offensive potential this season while staying off the mound. As the Dodgers gear up for the postseason, Ohtani aims for another first—competing in the playoffs with a chance for his third career MVP award as a designated hitter. No player who primarily served as a DH, without pitching, has received the MVP award, although others have come close.