Shohei Ohtani reaches 50-50: Dodgers star makes MLB history with one of the greatest games ever

Shohei Ohtani reaches 50-50: Dodgers star makes MLB history with one of the greatest games ever
Shohei Ohtani has once again etched his name into Major League Baseball’s history books, becoming the first player ever to achieve the previously unthinkable: a 50-50 season. With a dazzling performance on September 19, 2024, against the Miami Marlins, the Los Angeles Dodgers' star slugger not only reached this monumental milestone of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, but went even further-ending the night with 51 home runs and 51 steals. His incredible feat comes in a game that may go down as one of the greatest individual performances in baseball history, solidifying Ohtani’s legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Entering the game, Ohtani was already on the verge of baseball immortality. He had 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases, tantalizingly close to making history. By the end of the night, he had turned what seemed nearly impossible into reality, posting a jaw-dropping 6-for-6 game with three home runs, two doubles, two stolen bases, 10 RBIs, and four runs scored. The Dodgers trounced the Marlins 20-4, with Ohtani’s performance not only powering the win but also clinching the Dodgers’ playoff berth and marking Ohtani’s first-ever trip to the MLB postseason.
In a game where every at-bat seemed to bring more amazement, Ohtani kicked things off by stealing his 50th base in the very first inning, after hitting a leadoff double. Then, just two innings later, he followed it up by stealing his 51st base, putting him in uncharted territory and cementing his place in history. However, his exploits weren’t limited to just base-running. Ohtani also crushed three home runs, becoming only the 16th player in MLB history to achieve 10 RBIs in a single game-a feat no Dodgers player had ever accomplished.
His 50th home run came in the seventh inning, a moment that sealed his place in baseball lore. The ball soared into the stands, prompting a curtain call from the fans-a rare sight for a player on the road. Ohtani’s teammates, coaching staff, and fans knew they were witnessing something extraordinary. As Dodgers manager Dave Roberts toasted him in the locker room after the game, he summed up what everyone was feeling: “Shohei, cheers to you on something really spectacular, man. Congratulations.”
While the 50-50 milestone alone would have been career-defining for almost any player, for Ohtani, it was just another chapter in a season where he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in baseball. His three home runs, two steals, and perfect 6-for-6 performance not only established the first-ever 50-50 season but also created the 51-51 club, further adding to his unparalleled resume.
“It’s an honor to be part of history, but the most important thing for me is that we’re leading the division and headed to the postseason,” Ohtani said humbly after the game through an interpreter, shifting the focus back to his team. His words reflected his competitive spirit, which remains focused on helping the Dodgers win, even as he continues to break records that no one before him had come close to.
To put Ohtani’s achievement in perspective, no other player had ever posted more than 42 home runs and 42 steals in the same season in MLB’s 150-year history. Baseball, long thought of as a sport where physical limitations made such a combination of power and speed rare, has now been redefined by Ohtani’s athletic prowess and baseball IQ. His blend of hitting for power, speed on the bases, and ability to perform in clutch moments has placed him in a category of his own.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is that Ohtani isn’t pitching this season-a part of his game that made him a global sensation and earned him the nickname “The Unicorn.” After undergoing major UCL surgery last September, his throwing arm is still recovering, but that hasn’t stopped him from dominating at the plate and on the basepaths. One year to the date after his surgery, Ohtani produced one of the greatest offensive performances in MLB history, showcasing his adaptability and unmatched determination.
Despite being sidelined as a pitcher, Ohtani’s offensive numbers are staggering. Along with his 51 home runs and 51 steals, he’s slashing .287/.404/.656 with a .978 OPS. His power and patience at the plate have made him a nightmare for opposing pitchers, and now, his speed and aggressiveness on the bases have made him even more dangerous.