MIAMI — Shohei Ohtani captivated a crowd of Los Angeles Dodgers supporters with an unforgettable performance that solidified his status as one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history. The spectacle reached a pinnacle when Ohtani hit his 50th home run of the season, becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
As fans cheered and waved their phones to capture the moment, they erupted into chants of “M-V-P!” during his record-setting performance. Remarkably, Ohtani’s day didn’t conclude there. He delivered an extraordinary display by becoming the first MLB player to hit three home runs and steal two bases in a single game, contributing significantly to the Dodgers’ 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins, which clinched a playoff berth for the team.
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas expressed deep emotion as he reflected on Ohtani’s achievements, saying, “I almost cried, to be honest. It was a lot of emotions because of everything that happens behind the scenes that we got to witness every single day.”
Ohtani went 6 for 6 at the plate, collecting 10 RBIs as he surpassed the Dodgers’ franchise record for home runs in a season, previously held by Shawn Green with 49. He launched his 49th home run in the sixth inning, followed by his 50th in the seventh and concluded with his 51st in the ninth, showcasing his power with enormous shots that impressed the fans in attendance.
Reflecting on his achievements, Ohtani said, “It was something 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.” He started the game with 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases, quickly stealing two bases in the early innings to reach the milestone.
This historic performance not only places Ohtani in a league of his own but also marks a significant moment in the season, as he became only the third player in MLB history to record six hits, three home runs, and 10 RBIs in a single game.
His teammate Mookie Betts acknowledged Ohtani’s unique talents, noting that “there’s nothing anybody can do about it. He’s just too good.” The Marlins opted against intentionally walking Ohtani even when first base was open, a decision that Marlins manager Skip Schumaker explained was made out of respect for the game.
Ohtani’s journey to this moment involved rigorous preparation, including close collaboration with hitting coaches and meticulous analysis of opponent pitchers. His dedication to the sport has led to remarkable success on the base paths, having successfully stolen 28 bases in a row.
As the season progresses, Ohtani’s performance continues to draw comparisons to baseball legends, and his future looks promising. With the Dodgers headed to the postseason, Ohtani stands on the brink of new opportunities, including the chance to win National League MVP honors, a title previously unattainable for a player who primarily serves as a designated hitter. If successful, it would mark his third MVP award in his career.