Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, has achieved a feat never before accomplished in Major League Baseball: hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. Despite initially downplaying the possibility, Ohtani’s historic achievement was a matter of when, not if, as he powered through an unprecedented offensive season.
“I’m trying to be less cognizant of it,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton earlier this month.
Ohtani’s journey to this milestone began with his well-known power, having previously hit multiple 40-homer campaigns. His speed, though less emphasized, was noted by managers in Anaheim. This season, freed from pitching duties due to a second major elbow ligament reconstruction, Ohtani channeled his energy into running more, as acknowledged by manager Dave Roberts.
Ohtani’s transformation involved rigorous training, including running with a portable resistance device until it broke. His physical prowess grew, combining muscle with quickness. “Seeing him in ’18 to ’24, the physical body is way stronger now, more filled out,” said third-base coach Dino Ebel.
Ohtani’s first home run of 2024 came during spring training, witnessed by a small audience. His first regular-season home run was overshadowed by a scandal involving his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who pleaded guilty to stealing $17 million from Ohtani’s accounts. Despite the turmoil, Ohtani hit a home run off Tyler Rogers, marking the start of his historic season.
51/51 FOR SHOHEI OHTANI. pic.twitter.com/VoJA2PMFnB
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 19, 2024
Ohtani’s idol, Hideki Matsui, held the record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player. Ohtani surpassed Matsui’s record with a drive to left field. “It’s an honor to be on the same stage as him,” Ohtani said through Ireton.
In December, rumors circulated about Ohtani potentially signing with the Toronto Blue Jays, who matched a record-setting offer. However, Ohtani remained with the Dodgers. His first at-bat at Rogers Centre was met with boos, which he silenced with a home run off Chris Bassitt.
Joe Kelly’s wife, Ashley, proposed that if Ohtani signed with the Dodgers, her husband would give up his No. 17 in exchange for a Porsche. Ohtani delivered, and Roberts jokingly quipped, “I need a new car,” after Ohtani hit his seventh homer. Ohtani later gifted Roberts a toy model Porsche Taycan.
Ohtani’s former team, the Angels, did not match the Dodgers’ offer due to owner Arte Moreno’s hesitations about heavy deferrals. Nevertheless, Ohtani spoke highly of his time with the Angels and showed his prowess against them, hitting two home runs in a two-game set.
The Dodgers anticipated Ohtani running more, and he delivered, stealing 12 bases in July and setting a career-best mark. In August, he stole 15 bases, placing himself within reach of 50. Ohtani’s aggressive base-running culminated in a 9-8 comeback victory against the Rays, where he stole his 40th base.
Ohtani’s historic 40-40 moment came with a walk-off grand slam against the Rays, making him the sixth player in baseball history to achieve the feat. “I think that he wants to be the greatest player to ever play this game,” Roberts said.
The Dodgers’ lineup, featuring Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, started a game with three consecutive homers for the first time in franchise history. Ohtani’s milestone afternoon in Miami included a near-miss home run, a double steal, and a historic 50th home run, sealing his place in baseball history.
