Shohei Ohtani’s phenomenal 2024 season continues to impress. Having already secured his place in the 50-50 club, Ohtani has now added another breathtaking achievement to his résumé by becoming a member of the exclusive group of players reaching 400 total bases in a single season.
How uncommon is this feat? In the history of MLB, only 19 players have achieved 400 total bases in a season, an event that has occurred just 30 times since 1900. The last players to accomplish this before Ohtani were Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, Todd Helton, and Luis Gonzalez in 2001. Prior to that, Jim Rice marked the achievement in 1978. Ohtani’s entry into this elite company came with a double in the eighth inning on Thursday, but he is not the only player in this conversation this year. Aaron Judge, who is vying for another 60-homer season, could also reach this milestone with impressive performances in the Yankees’ last three games. Following his 58th home run on Thursday, Judge sits at 392 total bases.
A player must possess an exceptional combination of batting average and slugging to achieve 400 total bases, but even that is not enough to guarantee success. A significant slump can derail the pursuit unless countered by an equally strong hot streak. Absolute consistency is essential.
In the realm of baseball achievements, this is a club comparable to the Perfect Game club (with 24 members) or the Four Homers in a Game club (consisting of 18 members). Like the other clubs, membership in the 400 Total Bases club demands outstanding performance from a player. However, unlike those groups, this performance must be consistent throughout an entire season, rather than confined to a single game.
Here’s a look at the players who have reached 400 total bases in a single season.
2002 to Present (One, so far)
The early decades of the 21st century saw a surge of well-rounded hitters, seemingly creating the perfect conditions for achieving 400 total bases. However, the equally high number of hard-throwing pitchers equipped with devastating breaking pitches has made this goal quite challenging. Prior to Ohtani, Albert Pujols came the closest with 394 total bases in 2003.
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers, 2024 (400 and counting)
Ohtani’s surge towards 400 total bases accelerated in September. He concluded August with 329 and was projected to finish with 392. However, he caught fire thereafter. From September 1, he has posted a .364 batting average with an OPS of 1.201. His standout performance came on September 19 against the Marlins, where he went 6-for-6, smashing three home runs alongside two doubles and a single. Those 17 total bases propelled him to the forefront of the MLB and significantly advanced his pursuit of 400. Since that point, he has averaged nearly four bases per game.
1997-2001 (Five Players, Seven Total Seasons)
The offense-heavy PED Era led to a notable increase in players reaching 400 total bases, highlighted by four players achieving this milestone in 2001, the highest number in a single season since 1930. A second wave of expansion in the ’90s also created pitching conditions that were favorable for increased offensive output.
Bonds achieved his total in 2001 primarily due to his MLB-record 73 home runs. Indeed, his other hitting stats — 32 doubles, two triples, and 49 singles — were quite average. However, any hit Bonds made that season was remarkable, especially considering that pitchers were reluctant to throw him anything decent, resulting in 177 walks.
In 2001, Gonzalez also piled up an impressive base total, highlighted by a career-high 57 home runs, along with 36 doubles, seven triples, and 98 singles. Similar to Helton at Coors Field, Gonzalez took advantage of Arizona’s expansive ballpark, which provided ample opportunities for extra-base hits.
Helton exemplifies a player who capitalized on doubles as much as home runs to reach his 400 total bases. The hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field, with its high altitude and large outfield, allowed Helton to average 56 doubles between 2000 and 2001, complemented by an average of 46 home runs.
Sosa played a significant role in the 60-homer battle against Mark McGwire during the Long Gone Summer of 1998, propelling him into his first 400-plus total bases season. He ended that year with 66 home runs, but only accumulated 20 additional extra-base hits (all doubles) alongside 112 singles. In 2001, he surpassed his 1998 total bases with 64 homers, 34 doubles, and five triples.
Walker achieved 400 total bases en route to winning the NL MVP Award. He boasted a .366 batting average, led the NL with 49 home runs, and posted an MLB-leading OPS of 1.172. In addition to his home runs, he recorded 46 doubles, four triples, and 109 singles.
Throughout much of the 1960s, pitching was prevalent; so much so that MLB lowered the mound before the 1969 season to balance the competition for hitters. The highest total bases recorded during that decade was 382 by Willie Mays in 1962. Even during Roger Maris’s famous 61-home run season in 1961, he could only manage 366 total bases. However, totals began to rise again by the mid-to-late 1970s.
Rice had an outstanding season in 1978, which earned him the AL MVP Award by a wide margin. The Boston star posted a batting average of .315 alongside an MLB-best 46 home runs and 139 RBIs. He wouldn’t have reached 400 total bases without his league-leading 15 triples, finishing with a remarkable 213 hits overall.
The scarcity of 400 total bases for over two decades can largely be attributed to wars. World War II drafted some of the game’s top sluggers, most notably Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, during their prime, followed by the Korean War, which had a comparatively lesser effect.
Aaron led the league with a .355 average, accrued 223 hits, and posted a 1.037 OPS in 1959. He hit 39 home runs along with 46 doubles, seven triples, and 131 singles. While this marked the eighth occasion he led his league in total bases, it was the only time he exceeded 400.
Musial topped all MLB hitters with 230 hits, 46 doubles, 18 triples, and tied for second in home runs with 39. Consequently, his total bases of 429 were the highest in baseball.
1921-1937 (10 players, 19 total season)
The 1920s and ’30s were marked by an offensive surge, largely influenced by Babe Ruth’s power swing, which heralded a new era in baseball. Along with this, two other significant factors contributed to the impressive number of players achieving 400 total bases, even in a 154-game season. Firstly, many ballparks featured smaller dimensions, with some outfield walls located less than 300 feet away from home plate. Secondly, the era was pre-integration, meaning hitters often faced less formidable pitching talent.
DiMaggio’s sole instance of reaching 400 or more total bases occurred in his second season. He boasted a .346 batting average, topped the league with 46 home runs, and achieved an OPS of 1.085, along with 35 doubles and 15 triples.
Medwick’s performance was dominant in the NL during 1937, earning him the MVP Award. He led all National League players with a .374 average, recorded a 1.056 OPS, hit 31 home runs, and notched 56 doubles, with a remarkable 237 hits that led all of Major League Baseball.
Lou Gehrig, Yankees, 1936 (403); 1934 (409); 1931 (410); 1930 (419); 1927 (447)
Gehrig, like all others on this list, was a powerhouse in extra-base hits. Over his five seasons exceeding 400 total bases, he averaged 46 home runs, 40 doubles, and 13 triples, a significant accomplishment.
Trosky led all hitters with 405 total bases although he did not dominate any individual extra-base hit category. Nonetheless, his figures of 42 home runs, 45 doubles, nine triples, and 120 singles were sufficient to secure his place in the 400 club.
Foxx’s two seasons that qualified him for this list also garnered him consecutive AL MVP Awards. Between 1932 and 1933, he posted a combined average of .360, averaging 53 home runs, 35 doubles, nine triples, and achieving a total of 208 hits.
Chuck Klein, Phillies, 1932 (420); 1930 (445) and 1929 (405)
Klein hit strong power numbers in the two seasons where he reached 400 total bases — knocking 43 home runs in 1929, 40 in 1930, and 38 in 1932. However, his achievement was perhaps more significantly aided by an average of 51 doubles per season, along with an average of 10 triples.
In 1930, Herman recorded 241 hits and demonstrated strong extra-base numbers with 35 home runs, 48 doubles, and 11 triples, though he did not lead the league in any category aside from caught stealing (13).
The year 1930 was significant for Wilson, as he set the MLB record for the most RBIs in a single season with 191. Additionally, he hit an MLB-high 56 home runs, which played a crucial role in his reaching 400 total bases. He also contributed with 35 doubles, nine triples, and 111 singles, which collectively bolstered his performance.
Hornsby stands out as the only player on this list to achieve 400 or more total bases with multiple teams. He certainly had ample extra-base hits, but …
While he achieved a career-high of 42 home runs in 1922, his inclusion in this exclusive group is largely due to his knack for hitting singles, which accounted for almost 60 percent of his hits during those two seasons. The 148 singles he recorded in 1922 represent the highest total for any player on this list in a single season.
Babe Ruth, Yankees, 1927 (417) and 1921 (457)
It’s no surprise that Ruth was the first player of the Modern Era to achieve 400 total bases in a season. After all, he was hitting more home runs than entire teams in the early part of his career. However, he reached this milestone only twice, both during his peak home run seasons: in 1921 (59 home runs) and in 1927 (60 home runs). Notably, in 1921, he also sprinted for 16 triples.
Shohei Ohtani Joins Elite MLB 400 Total Bases Club in Historic 2024 Season
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way sensation from Japan, has made history in the 2024 MLB season by joining the prestigious 400 Total Bases Club. This remarkable achievement not only highlights his exceptional talent but also underscores his significant impact on Major League Baseball. In this article, we will delve into Ohtani’s incredible journey, the importance of Total Bases, and how he has solidified his place among the elite players in baseball history.
Understanding Total Bases: What They Mean in Baseball
Total Bases (TB) is a vital statistic in baseball that measures a player’s offensive contribution. It provides a comprehensive view of a player’s ability to reach base and advance runners, combining hits, doubles, triples, and home runs into a single metric. The formula for calculating Total Bases is straightforward:
- Singles = 1 TB
- Doubles = 2 TB
- Triples = 3 TB
- Home Runs = 4 TB
This statistic is essential as it gives fans and analysts insight into a player’s power and consistency at the plate. Ohtani’s entry into the 400 Total Bases Club is significant for several reasons:
1. Recognition Among Legends
Joining the 400 Total Bases Club aligns Ohtani with some of the greatest names in baseball history. Here are a few notable players who have achieved this milestone:
| Player | Total Bases | Year of Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Babe Ruth | 2,174 | 1935 |
| Hank Aaron | 6,856 | 1976 |
| Barry Bonds | 5,976 | 2007 |
| Albert Pujols | 6,211 | 2021 |
| Shohei Ohtani | 400+ | 2024 |
2. Impact on Team Success
Ohtani’s consistent performance has been a driving force behind the Los Angeles Angels’ competitiveness in the league. Achieving 400 Total Bases means he has not only been a reliable offensive player but also a catalyst for his team’s success. His unique skill set as a pitcher and hitter allows him to influence games in multiple ways, making him invaluable to his team.
Shohei Ohtani’s 2024 Season Highlights
The 2024 season has been a whirlwind for Ohtani, filled with remarkable moments that have captivated fans and analysts alike. Let’s explore some of the highlights that contributed to his 400 Total Bases achievement:
- Consistent Hitting: Ohtani maintained a batting average over .300, showcasing his ability to get on base consistently.
- Power Surge: He hit over 30 home runs, making him one of the leading power hitters in the league.
- RBI Machine: With more than 100 RBIs, Ohtani proved to be a clutch player in critical situations.
- Versatility: His dual-role capabilities continued to impress, as he contributed significantly as both a pitcher and hitter.
The Significance of Ohtani’s Achievement
Ohtani’s entrance into the 400 Total Bases Club is monumental for several reasons:
1. Global Impact
Ohtani has elevated the global profile of baseball, particularly in Japan and other countries where the sport is growing. His success story inspires young athletes around the world, encouraging them to pursue baseball as a career.
2. Changing the Game
Ohtani is redefining what it means to be a two-way player in modern baseball. His ability to excel in both pitching and hitting challenges traditional views on player specialization, potentially paving the way for future players to follow in his footsteps.
3. Fan Engagement
With his electrifying performances, Ohtani has significantly contributed to fan engagement in baseball. Fans flock to stadiums to witness his unique talents, leading to increased attendance and viewership across the league.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Players
For young baseball players inspired by Shohei Ohtani’s journey, here are some practical tips to enhance their skills:
- Focus on Fundamentals: Master the basics of hitting, pitching, and fielding through consistent practice.
- Work on Conditioning: Build strength and stamina to handle the demands of playing multiple positions.
- Study the Game: Analyze games and learn from the techniques of established players.
- Seek Coaching: Work with coaches who can provide guidance on both hitting and pitching to develop dual skill sets.
First-Hand Experiences from Teammates
Teammates and coaches have shared their thoughts on Ohtani’s impact within the Angels’ locker room:
- Mike Trout: “Playing with Shohei is a dream. His work ethic and talent are unmatched. He constantly pushes us to be better.”
- Manager Phil Nevin: “Ohtani’s presence in the lineup makes everyone around him better. He elevates the entire team.”
Future Implications for Shohei Ohtani
As Ohtani continues to break records and achieve new milestones, the implications for his career and Major League Baseball are profound:
- Contract Negotiations: Ohtani’s historic accomplishments will likely command a substantial contract when he becomes a free agent.
- Marketing Potential: His unique position as a dual-threat player makes him a marketing icon, attracting sponsorships and fan interest.
- Hall of Fame Considerations: If he continues on this trajectory, Ohtani’s chances of being inducted into the Hall of Fame will significantly increase.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s achievement of joining the 400 Total Bases Club in the 2024 MLB season is a landmark moment in baseball. His unique skills, consistent performance, and impact on the game have set a new standard for future generations of players. As Ohtani continues to shine on the diamond, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his remarkable career.
