Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History as First Player with 50 Homers, 50 Steals

On September 19, history was made in Major League Baseball as Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers achieved an unprecedented milestone. Ohtani became the first player ever to hit 50 or more home runs and steal 50 or more bases in a single season.

The remarkable achievement came during a phenomenal game against the Miami Marlins, where the Dodgers triumphed with a commanding score of 20-4 at LoanDepot Park. Ohtani delivered a spectacular performance at the plate, hitting three home runs, which brought his season total to 51, and achieving a remarkable 6-for-6 on the day with 10 runs batted in (RBI).

Additionally, Ohtani stole two bases during the game, increasing his seasonal total to 51 steals. His 51 home runs set a new franchise record for the Dodgers, surpassing Shawn Green’s previous record of 49 homers set in 2001. Moreover, Ohtani’s 10 RBI game marks a first in Dodgers’ history, breaking the previous record of 9 held by both Gil Hodges and James Loney.

Ohtani’s journey to this historic feat began with him stealing third base in the first inning, marking his 50th stolen base of the season. He then launched a home run off Miami pitcher Mike Baumann—a 109.7 mph shot to left field—solidifying his 50th home run of the season in the sixth inning.

This record-breaking performance is particularly remarkable, as it marks the first time a major league player has achieved at least five hits, multiple home runs, and multiple stolen bases in a single game since at least 1901. Earlier in the current season, Ohtani already made headlines by becoming the fastest player in MLB history and the sixth overall player to reach the 40/40 milestone, accomplishing this achievement on August 23 through a stolen base and a game-winning grand slam.

Ohtani’s standout season comes on the heels of signing a monumental 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers before the season began. He is now widely seen as the front-runner for the National League MVP award. The 30-year-old had previously captured the American League MVP award while playing for the Los Angeles Angels, claiming the honor in both 2021 and the previous season.