After becoming the fastest player to ever hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stands alone as the only person in MLB history to have a 50-50 season.
Ohtani joined the 50-50 club (and subsequently the 51-51 club) in one of the best offensive games of his career. In the Dodgers’ 20-4 drubbing over the Miami Marlins, Ohtani went 6-for-6 for the first time with three home runs, two doubles, 10 RBI and two stolen bases. He was a triple shy of the cycle.
As soon as the ball went off the bat, Ohtani knew he got it. He let out a lot of emotion rounding the bases, which is rare for the stoic Ohtani. Even though the Dodgers were in Miami, Ohtani received a loud standing ovation.
He also hit his 51st HR of the year for fun in the ninth inning.
In his first year as a Los Angeles Dodger, Ohtani is having a career offensive year and is arguably having the best season by any designated hitter.
With his home run, not only did Ohtani join the 50-50 club, but he also broke the Dodgers franchise record for most home runs in a season set by Shawn Green in 2001.
Ohtani is breaking personal records, franchise records and MLB records, all while rehabbing from major elbow surgery. With him set to return to the mound next season, there is a chance this could be the only 50-plus HR season of his career.
There has never been a player like Ohtani and there likely never will be. MLB is witnessing a generational player.