Shohei Ohtani Makes MLB History as First Member of 50/50 Club

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani made history on Thursday, becoming the first player in Major League Baseball to join the exclusive 50/50 club, achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season during a game against the Miami Marlins.

Ohtani reached this milestone with a powerful performance, hitting his 50th home run in the seventh inning after already stealing his 50th and 51st bases earlier in the game. He finished the match with an impressive 6-for-6 record, totaling 10 RBIs, as the Dodgers cruised to a 20-4 victory over the Marlins, securing a playoff spot.

In a standout performance, Ohtani’s historic day included two doubles, a single, and three home runs—his first career three-home-run game. He opened his outing with a double in the first inning, stealing his 50th base shortly thereafter, then hit a single before swiping his 51st base. After hitting a two-run home run in the sixth inning, he smashed a three-run homer in the seventh, celebrating with a rare curtain call for the road crowd.

“I’m glad that the team won,” Ohtani said post-game. “It’s something that I wanted to get over as quickly as possible, and I’m going to cherish this for a very long time.”

Ohtani’s accomplishment places him in a league of his own, surpassing previous near-misses by players like Ronald Acuña Jr., who hit 41 home runs and stole 73 bases in 2023, and Alex Rodriguez, who had 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases in 1998.

Despite a challenging season that included his interpreter’s legal troubles, Ohtani has remained focused on the field, signing a historic $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers in the offseason. He has emerged as a frontrunner for the National League MVP award, boasting a .293 batting average and leading the Dodgers to a 91-62 record, positioning them at the top of the NL West division.

“Although I switched uniforms, my goal was always to be in the playoffs,” Ohtani reflected. “I’m glad that we were able to make it today, personally and as a team.” With this victory, Ohtani is set to experience his first postseason, having never reached the playoffs during his six seasons with the Angels.