On September 19, 2024, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers achieved a groundbreaking milestone in Major League Baseball by becoming the first player ever to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. In a dominant 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park, Ohtani made history by stealing his 50th base in the first inning.
The excitement continued when he belted a two-run homer in the sixth, marking his 49th of the season. Ohtani then hit his historic 50th home run in the seventh inning, sending a 1-2 knuckle curve from Marlins reliever Mike Baumann over the left-field wall. Dodgers play-by-play announcer Joe Davis celebrated the moment, declaring, “One of a kind player! One of a kind season! Shohei Ohtani starts the 50-50 club!”
Ohtani wasn’t finished yet; in his final at-bat of the night, he completed a remarkable 6-for-6 performance with a third home run, bringing his total to 51 and driving in an astounding 10 runs. The enthusiastic crowd began chanting “M-V-P!” as he stepped up to the plate, further highlighting the significance of his achievement.
This victory also secured a playoff spot for the Dodgers, who have faced challenges with their pitching staff, especially as the San Diego Padres continue to push for the NL West title.
Amidst the celebrations, there’s speculation about Ohtani potentially returning to the mound in a relief role during the playoffs, following his recovery from elbow surgery. However, the Dodgers are likely to take a cautious approach regarding his pitching return. If anyone can defy expectations, it’s certainly Ohtani, now known as Mr. 50-50.