Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani made history on Thursday by becoming the first player to join the 50-50 club in Major League Baseball. This exclusive club requires a player to achieve 50 or more home runs and 50 or more stolen bases in a single season. Ohtani accomplished this remarkable feat during a game against the Miami Marlins.
Ohtani, known for his exceptional two-way skills, had already set a record earlier in the season by becoming the fastest player to reach 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season. In the game against the Marlins, he hit his 50th home run in the top of the seventh inning after stealing his 50th and 51st bases earlier in the game.
During the game, Ohtani displayed an outstanding performance, going 6-for-6 with 10 RBI. His historic home run gave the Dodgers a commanding 14-3 lead. In a display of sheer dominance, he even managed to hit another home run in the 9th inning, totaling three home runs for the game. Additionally, Ohtani hit two doubles, a single, and stole a base, showcasing one of the most prolific offensive performances of the season.
Prior to Ohtani's achievement, the closest any player had come to the 50-50 mark was Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, who stole 73 bases and hit 41 home runs in 2023, and Alex Rodriguez, who achieved 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases as a member of the Seattle Mariners in 1998.
Ohtani, who previously played for the Angels and won the American League's Most Valuable Player Award twice, signed a groundbreaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. Despite not pitching this season due to elbow surgery, Ohtani has been a standout performer with 50 home runs and a .293 batting average, contributing to the Dodgers' impressive 90-52 record and their first-place position in the NL West division.
