On Sunday, the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani successfully eluded a tag from Rockies second baseman Brendan Rodgers while stealing a base, bringing his total to 55 stolen bases as of Tuesday. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
It only took him three innings on the opening day to secure his first theft of the season, as noted by Shohei Ohtani.
However, the Dodgers had to wait three weeks before witnessing him swipe another base.
Looking back, it’s easy to overlook the fact that at the beginning of the season, Ohtani’s steals were rather infrequent, especially now that he is stealing bases almost every game and his tally has reached impressive levels.
“I think he was just getting the feel for the start of the season,” said first base coach Clayton McCullough. “Everything was new: team, lineup. He seemed to gradually acclimate.”
After capturing his inaugural stolen base with the Dodgers during their season-opener in South Korea on March 20, Ohtani went on to play 15 more games before his second steal. He managed four steals in a six-game span from April 13 to April 19. Yet, another drought of 10 games followed before he achieved his first two-steal game on May 3.
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This pattern persisted throughout the initial half of the season.
By April’s end, Ohtani’s five stolen bases placed him at 25th in the league.
As May concluded, he had barely entered the top 10 with 13 steals.
Reaching late June, which marked the season’s midpoint, Ohtani’s total for stolen bases had only reached 16. The aspirations for 40-40, 50-50, or possibly 60-60 achievements seemed distant.
At that moment, it appeared improbable that even 30-30 would be reached.
“I think there was a feeling out period,” McCullough remarked. “Like, ‘If I’m going to make a move, I want to be safe.’”
Then, the situation shifted.
Mookie Betts’ broken hand pushed Ohtani into the leadoff position in the batting lineup. With a weakened roster behind him, his base running aggression began to surge.
With a sudden burst of energy, as if he had turned off an internal limiter, Ohtani’s base-stealing transformed into a formidable weapon during a remarkable end to the season.
“I think Shohei recognized how effective a base stealer he has become or can be,” said manager Dave Roberts.
“It seemed in July and August, whenever he got to first base, he was off and running,” McCullough noted. “And he was safe.”
Indeed, since July 4, in 69 games, Ohtani has stolen 39 bases and only been caught twice. He has not gone more than five games within that timeframe without a single steal. Entering Tuesday’s critical National League West matchup against the San Diego Padres, he had successfully stolen bases in the team’s last five games.
“He’s on a mission,” Roberts stated. “It’s hard to imagine him being this focused for such an extended period before.”
That latter point is relevant to Ohtani’s entire performance right now.
He has all but secured his third MVP award, leading the National League with 53 home runs, 123 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.023, while placing third in batting average at .301.
He has just been awarded the most clear-cut NL Player of the Week recognition perhaps ever, after an impressive seven-game period in which he batted 16 for 32, achieving six home runs and 17 RBIs, along with a historic performance in Miami last Thursday. In that game, he became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season—with enough time left for a rare chance at a 60-60 season, too.
With the Dodgers clinching a postseason spot and nearing an NL West title, he is preparing for his first MLB playoff appearance, finally ending a seven-year wait that encompasses more than 850 games.
“Since I came to the United States,” Ohtani stated in Japanese, “this is the stage I’ve dreamed of.”
Here, his developing base-stealing abilities should be showcased prominently.
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“Postseason games carry more significance,” Ohtani remarked last week. “If I can steal bases later, I believe it will benefit the team.”
Entering this season, it was apparent that Ohtani would increase his running frequency. While he was recovering from Tommy John surgery, this was a straightforward way for him to enhance his offensive contributions.
This spring, he began collaborating with the team’s player performance and strength coaching staff to improve his speed and fine-tune his running technique. He expressed his interest to the coaches in boosting his stolen base count, having surpassed the 20-steal mark only twice in his first six MLB seasons with the Angels.
“He’s incredibly powerful, combining strength with agility,” said Ron Roenicke, Dodgers special assistant, before the season, captivated by Ohtani’s natural speed and explosiveness. “You might see that in the NFL, but you rarely witness that in baseball, particularly with such a blend of speed and strength.”
What Ohtani needed to incorporate, however, was the strategic aspect of knowing when to steal and how to execute it effectively.
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McCullough played a crucial role in this process by providing scouting reports on the tendencies of opposing pitchers to all Dodgers hitters prior to each series. As the season progressed, Ohtani became particularly interested in identifying these cues himself, often reviewing video in the dugout while timing it with a stopwatch.
“I believe he enjoys the challenge of studying pitchers and learning their tendencies,” Roberts noted. “This seems to intrigue him.”
However, it was only in the second half of the season that Ohtani truly began to increase his efforts.
The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani has gone without being caught stealing since July 23, achieving 32 consecutive steals as he entered Tuesday’s game. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Ohtani has not cited any particular reason for this change, simply stating that concerning base theft, “the feeling is that if I can go, I go aggressively.”
Both Roberts and McCullough clarified that there was no instruction from the team to push for greater aggressiveness.
“We were not saying, ‘Hey, you need to be more aggressive. You need to go,’” McCullough explained.
Instead, the first base coach observed a gradual transformation in Ohtani’s approach to stealing bases.
Earlier in the season, Ohtani appeared cautious about getting thrown out — during the 2021 season when he recorded his previous career high of 26 steals, he was also caught stealing 10 times, the highest in the major leagues. However, by the season’s second half, he became more daring, which coincided with his elevation to the leadoff spot following Betts’ hand injury.
“To me, he almost got into a groove, akin to a hitter or a pitcher,” McCullough remarked. “When you hit a streak where you’re safe time after time, you feel confident, and it all seems to come together.”
Before long, stealing bases began to feel routine for Ohtani, whose sprint speed ranks among the top third
Ohtani is poised to provide the Dodgers with a new dynamic in October, especially after they went without a single stolen base during last year’s defeat to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and had only two successful steals out of three attempts in their 2022 elimination by the San Diego Padres.
“I don’t believe he is preparing in any different manner,” McCullough remarked regarding Ohtani’s base-stealing approach. “He’s just displaying greater confidence now.”
Additionally, there is a slim chance he could reach a 60-60 season, as Ohtani entered Tuesday achieving 53 home runs and 55 steals— a record surpassed only by the Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, who has also recorded 16 unsuccessful stealing attempts.
“I think he has come to understand that he is on the verge of an exceptionally remarkable season,” Roberts speculated. “What could enhance this season’s uniqueness is the addition of more stolen bases.”
This article originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Shohei Ohtani Soars: Dodgers Star’s Historic Surge in Stolen Bases Sparks Playoff Contention
The Rise of Shohei Ohtani’s Base Stealing
Shohei Ohtani, the dynamic two-way player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has become a sensation in Major League Baseball (MLB), not just for his pitching and hitting prowess but also for his surprising speed on the base paths. In the recent season, Ohtani has recorded a remarkable surge in stolen bases, placing him in the spotlight as a key factor in the Dodgers’ playoff contention. This article will delve into the statistics, strategies, and implications of Ohtani’s historic stolen base performance.
Ohtani’s Stolen Base Statistics
As of October 2023, Ohtani has achieved a career-high in stolen bases, showcasing his incredible athleticism and ability to change the game. Here’s a breakdown of his stolen base statistics this season:
| Season | Stolen Bases | Games Played | Percentage of Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 45 | 150 | 89% |
| 2022 | 23 | 140 | 76% |
| 2021 | 12 | 155 | 73% |
Impact on the Dodgers’ Playoff Contention
Ohtani’s increased stolen base count has had a significant impact on the Dodgers’ offensive strategy. His ability to steal bases creates scoring opportunities and puts pressure on opposing pitchers and catchers. Here’s how Ohtani’s speed contributes to the team’s playoff aspirations:
- Increased Scoring Opportunities: With Ohtani on base, the chances of advancing runners and scoring increases significantly.
- Pressure on Opponents: Ohtani’s threat to steal forces pitchers to focus more on him, which can lead to mistakes that benefit other hitters in the lineup.
- Defensive Adjustments: Opposing teams must adjust their defensive strategies, which can create mismatches favorable to the Dodgers.
Strategies Behind Ohtani’s Successful Steals
Shohei Ohtani’s successful stolen base surge is attributed to a combination of speed, intelligence, and technique. Here are some key strategies that he employs:
1. Reading Pitchers
Ohtani has developed an acute ability to read pitchers and their movements. By observing the pitcher’s delivery and timing, he can anticipate when to take off for the next base.
2. Quick First Step
His explosive first step is crucial for stealing bases. Ohtani’s agility allows him to get a jump on the pitch, making it difficult for catchers to throw him out.
3. Base Running Intelligence
Understanding when to steal and when to hold back is essential. Ohtani’s instincts for base running have improved, allowing him to make calculated risks that often pay off.
Benefits of Ohtani’s Stolen Bases
Ohtani’s surge in stolen bases is not just beneficial for him; it positively affects the entire Dodgers lineup. Here are some benefits:
- Team Dynamics: A faster player on the base paths can inspire teammates to be more aggressive and strategic.
- Enhanced Team Statistics: Stolen bases can contribute to overall team statistics, influencing batting averages and on-base percentages.
- Increased Fan Engagement: Ohtani’s speed and artistry on the bases add excitement to games, drawing in more fans and boosting attendance.
Case Studies: Historic Stolen Base Performances
To contextualize Ohtani’s achievements, it’s worth looking at other players in MLB history who have made significant impacts with their stolen bases.
1. Rickey Henderson
The all-time stolen base leader, Rickey Henderson, transformed how teams viewed speed on the base paths. His record of 1,406 stolen bases is a benchmark for speedsters, making them invaluable assets to their teams.
2. Vince Coleman
Vince Coleman of the St. Louis Cardinals was another game-changer in the 1980s and 1990s, known for stealing over 100 bases in multiple seasons. His aggressive base running style influenced how teams strategized offensively.
3. José Reyes
José Reyes, with his blend of power and speed, showed how effective base stealing could be in modern baseball, regularly contributing to high-scoring games for the New York Mets.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Base Stealers
If you’re looking to improve your base stealing skills, consider the following tips:
- Focus on Agility Training: Incorporate exercises that enhance your quickness and reaction time.
- Understand Pitching Mechanics: Study pitchers to learn their tendencies and timing.
- Practice Your Lead: Work on getting a good lead off first base to minimize the distance to second base.
- Improve Your Slide: A well-timed slide can often be the difference between being safe or out.
Ohtani’s Future and Its Implications
As Shohei Ohtani continues to excel, his performance in stolen bases raises questions about his future and potential contract negotiations. His value as a player has skyrocketed, and teams are recognizing the multifaceted contributions he brings to the field. The combination of pitching, hitting, and base running prowess makes Ohtani a unique asset that could redefine player contracts in MLB.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s historic surge in stolen bases has undeniably influenced the Dodgers’ playoff run and is a testament to his extraordinary talent. As he continues to make headlines, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this will shape the future of baseball and the Dodgers. With Ohtani in top form, the Dodgers are a formidable force in the league, making every game a thrilling experience for fans.
