Ohtani’s incredible performance makes him a member of the 50-50 club in a historic 6-for-6 game.

Ảnh chụp màn hình 2024 09 20 144130
Ảnh chụp màn hình 2024 09 20 144130

MIAMI — In a clubhouse filled with potential future Hall of Famers and some of the top players in the game, Shohei Ohtani still manages to stand out. Throughout baseball’s long history, there’s never been anyone quite like him.

On Thursday, Ohtani’s legend reached new heights. He added another incredible chapter to one of the greatest individual offensive seasons ever seen in Major League history. With a jaw-dropping performance that included two stolen bases, going 6-for-6, smashing a career-high three home runs, and racking up 10 RBIs, Ohtani once again showed he’s in a league of his own. He made history by becoming the first player ever to hit 50+ home runs and steal 50+ bases in a single season, further solidifying his unique place in the sport.

Ohtani’s remarkable performance during the Dodgers’ 20-4 victory over the Marlins at loanDepot park made history as the first instance in Major League Baseball where a player hit three home runs and stole two bases in a single game. His 10 RBIs also set a new franchise record and helped secure Los Angeles’ 12th consecutive postseason appearance. “While Shohei Ohtani has been a groundbreaking player for years, his latest achievement as the first player to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season highlights not just his extraordinary talent but also his character, drive, and dedication to excellence,” said Commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.

Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani, emphasizing the uniqueness of his accomplishment: “This game has been around for a long time, and to achieve something that’s never been done before—he’s one of a kind. He’s incredibly talented yet humble. It’s a win for Major League Baseball.” Just weeks prior, Ohtani joined the 40-40 club, achieving that milestone in style with a walk-off grand slam against the Rays, reaching it in just 126 games, which was 21 games faster than the previous record. Ohtani expressed his relief about his historic season, stating, “I just wanted to get it done quickly because I felt the pressure every time I stepped up to bat.”

In his first at-bat, he narrowly missed hitting his 49th homer, instead securing a leadoff double and recording his 50th stolen base. He continued to push for more, doubling again shortly after, demonstrating his ambition as he aimed for a cycle. His teammates could sense his drive to make history. Outfielder Mookie Betts remarked, “He was feeling good and knew he was about to do something special.” In the sixth inning, Ohtani hit a towering two-run homer, bringing him closer to his goal. In the next inning, despite having the option to intentionally walk him, Marlins manager Skip Schumaker decided to pitch to Ohtani, who then hit an opposite-field homer, completing his historic feat.

After making history in the seventh inning, Ohtani continued to impress, launching a second homer in the eighth, marking the first three-homer game of his career. Second baseman Gavin Lux called it “the greatest baseball game of all time,” emphasizing the rarity of such a performance at the highest level. Following a monumental 10-year, $700 million contract, Ohtani faced immense pressure to prove his worth, which he began to do with a home run in his first Spring Training appearance, drawing significant attention to his every move.

Ohtani has continued his impressive hitting streak, setting a new personal record for home runs and breaking the single-season franchise record by surpassing Shawn Green’s 2001 total of 49. Amidst a series of injuries affecting the Dodgers this season, Ohtani has been instrumental in the team’s pursuit of its 11th NL West title in 12 years. “For us as teammates, it’s a privilege to witness him every day,” said shortstop Miguel Rojas. “I almost cried, honestly, because it was such an emotional moment considering everything we see behind the scenes.”

“It’s a remarkable achievement. We all know what he’s capable of, but for him to hit that milestone is incredible.” Behind the scenes, Ohtani is also recovering from a second major surgery on his right elbow, with plans to return to pitching in 2025. For most athletes, that would mean a lost season; however, Ohtani has not let that stop him from having one of the best offensive seasons in baseball history.

What was once a superlative about Ohtani is now an undeniable fact: he’s truly in a league of his own. “Nothing surprises you anymore with him because he can pull off amazing feats,” Rojas remarked. “Just think about what he’ll do when he gets back on the mound next year.”

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