Shohei Ohtani is just two home runs and one stolen base shy of making history, with 10 games remaining.
The star player of the Los Angeles Dodgers furthered his pursuit of being the first in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season by stealing a base against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, marking his 49th of the year. This occurred early in the game after Ohtani began with an opposite-field single and swiftly advanced to second on the first pitch thrown to Mookie Betts.
Despite Marlins catcher Nick Fortes delivering a throw that could have caught Ohtani, it was inaccurate and bobbled, allowing him to reach third base due to an error.
However, Ohtani remained on third and did not score, as he was tagged out at home plate on a fielder’s choice by Teoscar Hernández.
This steal followed just one day after Ohtani launched his 48th home run of the season against the Marlins, placing him just one short of the Dodgers’ single-season record held by Shawn Green, who hit 49 homers in 2001.
Is Shohei Ohtani on track for 50-50?
Yes. With 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases, along with 10 games remaining in the Dodgers’ regular season, Ohtani is projected to finish with 51 home runs and 52 steals.
For Ohtani to drop below a 50-homer pace, he would have to go without a home run for four consecutive games.
The Dodgers’ upcoming schedule includes this series against the Marlins, followed by a homestand against the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres, and concluding with a trip to the hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Shohei Ohtani has already made significant history with the Dodgers
Regardless of how his 50-50 pursuit unfolds, Ohtani has already made his inaugural season with the Dodgers memorable.
On the path to achieving remarkable numbers in both home runs and stolen bases, Ohtani has ventured into unprecedented territory. In August, he became the sixth player ever to reach the 40-40 milestone, joining the ranks of Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodríguez, Alfonso Soriano, and Ronald Acuña Jr., accomplishing this faster than any of them. The earliest that any of these players had achieved both feats was Soriano on September 16, 2006.
Notably, Ohtani’s 40th home run was a memorable one, as it was a walk-off grand slam.
Rodriguez previously held the record for most home runs and stolen bases in a season, with figures of 42 homers and 46 steals in 1998. Ohtani equaled this 42-42 season during his bobblehead night on August 28 and surpassed it just two days later on August 30.
Ohtani’s current tally of home runs exceeds his previous career high of 46, set in 2021, the year he won his first MVP award. He has also broken his personal best for stolen bases, which was 26, also recorded in 2021. Currently, he leads the National League in home runs and is second only to Elly De La Cruz in stolen bases.
Additionally, Ohtani set records for both the size of the contract he signed with the Dodgers ($700 million) and the amount of deferred contract money ($680 million).
Ohtani has built a career around being unprecedented. Even in a season when he is unable to pitch due to undergoing UCL surgery at the end of 2023, he continues to achieve feats never before seen in MLB.
Shohei Ohtani on the Brink of 50-50 Season: A Historic Endeavor with 10 Games Remaining
Shohei Ohtani, often referred to as a “unicorn” in baseball, is on the verge of achieving a remarkable feat: a 50-home run and 50 stolen base season. With just 10 games left in the 2023 MLB regular season, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if he can reach this historic milestone. This article delves into Ohtani’s journey, what it means for baseball, and the potential benefits of his accomplishments.
Understanding the 50-50 Season
In the world of Major League Baseball, a 50-50 season is incredibly rare. It signifies a player hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. The last player to achieve this was Alfonso Soriano in 2006, and only a handful of players have reached this milestone in the sport’s history. Ohtani’s ability to blend power hitting with speed makes him a standout player.
Key Stats for Shohei Ohtani in 2023
| Category | Current Stats | Target (50-50) |
|---|---|---|
| Home Runs | 48 | 50 |
| Stolen Bases | 43 | 50 |
| Games Remaining | 10 | – |
Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Season Breakdown
Ohtani has had an impressive 2023 season, showcasing his unique abilities as both a pitcher and a hitter. Here’s a deeper look at his season so far:
Hitting
- Home Runs: Ohtani has hit 48 home runs, ranking among the top in the league.
- Batting Average: His batting average stands at an impressive .310, showcasing his ability to find gaps and get on base.
- On-Base Percentage: With an OBP of .420, his discipline at the plate is evident.
Base Running
- Stolen Bases: Ohtani has successfully stolen 43 bases, demonstrating agility and speed.
- Base Running Efficiency: His ability to read pitchers and take calculated risks has contributed significantly to his stolen base total.
The Significance of a 50-50 Season
A 50-50 season would not only elevate Shohei Ohtani’s status among baseball greats but also redefine modern baseball’s expectations for dual-threat players. Here’s why achieving this milestone is significant:
Historical Context
Achieving a 50-50 season places Ohtani in a very exclusive club. As of now, only four players in MLB history have reached this milestone:
- Alfonso Soriano (2006)
- Jose Canseco (1988)
- Barry Bonds (1996)
- Willie Mays (1956)
Impact on Baseball
Ohtani’s performance is a reminder of the evolution of the game. His versatility emphasizes the importance of multi-dimensional athletes in baseball. This shift could lead to teams prioritizing players who possess both power and speed.
Challenges Ahead for Ohtani
While Ohtani’s target is within reach, several challenges lie ahead:
- Pitcher Strategies: Opposing teams will likely adjust their strategies to limit Ohtani’s opportunities to hit home runs.
- Injury Concerns: With the intense pressure of chasing milestones, there’s always a risk of injury, especially in the final games of the season.
- Team Dynamics: Depending on the Angels’ standings, the focus may shift towards preserving Ohtani for the future rather than pushing for individual accolades.
Benefits of Ohtani’s Historic Pursuit
The potential achievement of a 50-50 season not only benefits Ohtani personally but also has wider implications:
For Fans
- Excitement: Fans are drawn to historical moments, creating a buzz around Ohtani and the sport.
- Increased Engagement: A chase for a milestone keeps viewers engaged, boosting attendance and viewership.
For His Team
- Merchandising Opportunities: Ohtani’s historic performance could lead to increased merchandise sales for the Angels.
- Enhanced Team Morale: A significant achievement can unite players and fans alike, fostering a stronger team spirit.
Case Studies: Other Players Who Achieved 50-50
Understanding the mindset and preparation of players who have achieved a 50-50 season can provide insight into Ohtani’s pursuit:
Alfonso Soriano (2006)
- Home Runs: 46
- Stolen Bases: 41
- Batting Average: .277
- Key Insight: Soriano focused on aggressive base running and consistent hitting throughout the season.
Jose Canseco (1988)
- Home Runs: 40
- Stolen Bases: 40
- Batting Average: .307
- Key Insight: Canseco’s power combined with his speed set the standard for future dual-threat players.
First-Hand Experience: What It’s Like to Chase a Milestone
According to sports analysts and former players, chasing a significant milestone can be both exhilarating and daunting:
- Pressure: With the eyes of the world on you, the pressure can be immense.
- Focus: Maintaining focus on the game instead of the milestone is crucial. Players often emphasize the importance of treating each game like any other.
- Support System: A solid support system of coaches and teammates can help manage stress and keep the goals in perspective.
Conclusion: The Countdown to History
As Shohei Ohtani approaches the final games of the season, the excitement builds. Can he achieve the elusive 50-50 season? With his remarkable talent, determination, and the support of his team, the baseball world will be watching closely. Ohtani’s pursuit not only has the potential to etch his name in history but also to inspire a new generation of players who aspire to redefine the boundaries of baseball.
