Last night Shohei Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 HRs and steal 50 bases in a single season. He came into yesterday’s matchup against the Marlins 2 home runs and a stolen base short of this accomplishment. Most assumed it would take at least another game or two for Ohtani to reach 50/50 but sure enough, it didn’t.
In Ohtani’s first plate appearance, he doubled to right center field, and stole third base, giving him 50 on the season. In his second at-bat, he singled and stole second. In the sixth inning, Ohtani homered to deep right and followed that up with two more home runs in his final two at-bats, not only reaching 50/50 in this game, but the only one to ever reach 51/51 too. He finished the contest going 6/6 with 10 RBIs, three home runs, and two stolen bases. Statistically speaking, one of the greatest games in MLB history.
Jose Canseco, who was the first to reach 40/40, congratulated Shohei on X posting, “In 1988 I created the 40/40 club 35 years later Shohei Ohtani created the 50/50 club Congratulations to him”.
Other star professional athletes took to social media to share their thoughts on Ohtani’s historic night:
“On behalf of the Dodgers’ Ownership Group, I want to congratulate Shohei on being the 1st in MLB History to have a 50/50 season! Dodger Fans, we got a chance to be a part of MLB history!” – Magic Johnson.
“THIS GUY IS UNREAL!!!! WOWZERS”- LeBron James
“Yup Ohtani is the GOAT” – Joel Embiid
When reporters asked about his major accomplishment Ohtani said, “I’m glad that the team won and it was something I wanted to get over as quickly as possible, and it’s something I’m going to cherish for a very long time. To be honest, I’m the one probably most surprised I have no idea where this came from but I’m glad that I performed well today.”
With the win, the Dodgers clinched a playoff berth. Ohtani seemed excited to get rolling in the postseason, he said “Although I switched uniforms and came to a new team my goal is always to be in the playoffs, I’m glad we were able to make it today, personally and as a team.”
