2 weeks Ago By Ryan Dyrud, LAFB Network
Well Dodgers fans, he did it. If it wasn’t already obvious just from watching him play, Shohei Ohtani just cemented himself as one of the greatest baseball players ever after a historic season that saw him join an exclusive club. In fact, he is the only member of the club.
The 50-50 Club. 50 Home Runs. 50 Steals.
A feat that has never been done , until now. Drink it in Los Angeles Dodgers fans, and all baseball fans for that matter. Shohei Ohtani Joins 50-50 Club SHOHEI OHTANI HAS DONE IT 50 HOME RUNS | 50 STOLEN BASES HISTORY pic.
twitter.com/GRVJUCbpja Also Read: Shohei Ohtani 2024 Home Run Tracker What makes this moment even more remarkable is how he completed the record. Ohtani came into today’s matchup with the Miami Marlins needing 2 home runs and 2 steals.
Even with how great of a player he is, the thought was that he could inch closer tonight, but would not break the record until the next series (at home) with the Rockies or the Padres. Well, in classic dramatic Ohtani fashion, he decided to just join the club tonight and join the annuls of baseball lore. Who said baseball isn’t poetic? In his first at-bat, Ohtani hit a double in the first inning.
He subsequently stole third, and the record was immediately put on watch. In his second at-bat, at the top of the 2nd inning, Ohtani singled to right field, earning an RBI and driving Max Muncy home. Of course, he stole 2nd shortly after completing 50 steals on the season.
At the top of the third, Ohtani again doubled, driving in two more runs. A historic start to the game already. The third set of fireworks happened at the top of the 6th inning.
Facing his 2nd pitch after a swinging strike, Ohtani took an 85 MPH slider deep for his first home run of the game. Then, the moment we were all waiting for. At the top of the 7th, facing a 1-2 count, Ohtani took an 89 MPH knuckle curve deep to left field for his 2nd homer of the game and 50th home run of the season.
History has been made, and quite frankly, may never be matched again. Simply remarkable. Enjoy it fans.
This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission..
