Shohei Ohtani Enters Rarefied Air: 50 Home Runs and 50 Stolen Bases in a Single Season
In an unprecedented performance in Major League Baseball history, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has achieved the extraordinary milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in the same season. Ohtani reached this rare achievement in 2024, etching his name deeper into baseball's annals with a season for the ages.
The crowning moment came on a remarkable Thursday night when Ohtani not only hit his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the season but also stole his 50th and 51st bases. His unprecedented dual performance led the Dodgers to a resounding 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.
"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," a comment read from baseball aficionados, underscoring the profound respect and admiration Ohtani garners across the baseball community.
A Season of Records
Ohtani's efforts on that fateful night tied him with the legendary Rickey Henderson, who achieved 13 games in a single season with both a home run and a stolen base back in 1986. With nine games remaining in the regular season, Ohtani has a chance to surpass Henderson's mark and stand alone in this multifaceted achievement.
His 51 home runs this season are the most ever by a Japanese-born player, surpassing the previous record. Additionally, his 51 stolen bases are inching him closer to Ichiro Suzuki's record of 56 stolen bases, set in 2001. Ohtani's power and speed have redefined the possibilities for what a single player can achieve on the diamond.
Historical Context and Continued Excellence
Ohtani's arrival in the 40-40 club—consisting of players with at least 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season—was completed faster than any player in history, reaching the milestone in just 129 team games. Remarkably, Ohtani has achieved all this while exclusively focusing on hitting this season due to elbow surgery he underwent last September.
Last season, Ohtani led the league with 44 home runs and pitched 132 innings, posting a 3.14 ERA and racking up 167 strikeouts. His dual threat capability earned him his second unanimous MVP award. This season, despite not pitching, Ohtani's bat has remained as lethal as ever, guiding the Dodgers to clinching a postseason berth.
One for the Record Books
In a fitting demonstration of his prowess, Ohtani became the first player in Dodgers’ history to drive in 10 runs in a single game, a feat last accomplished by Mark Reynolds in 2018. In the same game, Ohtani accumulated 17 total bases, a number achieved by only seven players in history and never without hitting four home runs.
The remarkable statistical achievements don't end there. This season, Ohtani set the Dodgers' single-season franchise record for home runs, surpassing his previous career high of 46 set in 2021. His 51 stolen bases this season shattered his personal best of 26, showcasing his versatility and continuous improvement.
A Season of Strategic Steals
Ohtani’s stolen bases were strategically spread throughout the season. He began with five steals in April, ramped up to eight in May, and three in June. The intensity increased in the second half of the season, with 12 steals in July, 15 in August, and eight so far in September. His 28 steals post-All-Star break have juxtaposed the 23 from the first half, all while playing 38 fewer games.
The Legacy Continues
As Ohtani continues to defy expectations and set new benchmarks, the admiration of his peers and fans grows. "Shohei Ohtani is not just making history; he is the history," echoes a sentiment shared by many as they witness this remarkable athlete's journey.
With a few games left in the regular season, the baseball world watches in anticipation, knowing that with Ohtani, every game has the potential to add another chapter to an already legendary story.