Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a Japanese baseball genius, is running fast. He has become the first Major League Baseball player to hit 50 homers and 50 steals, increasing the number to 53 homers and 55 steals.
Ohtani started as the first designated hitter at a home game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium in the U.S. on Sunday (Korea time). He saved his team from defeat with a home run in the top of the ninth inning and added two stormy steals. The Dodgers came from behind to win the game 6-5, thanks to Ohtani’s outstanding performance with four hits, two runs scored, one RBI and two steals.
He hit 53 homers and stole 54 and 55 bases this season. Ohtani has only two homers left until his first 55 homers and 55 steals.
Ohtani opened a 50-50 club for the first time in Miami on the 20th. On this day alone, he hit three home runs and two steals, reaching 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases. It is an unprecedented milestone not only in MLB but also in baseball powerhouses Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
Now, home runs and stolen bases are a new history in MLB. Ohtani added home runs and stolen bases on the 21st, and has been increasing his stolen bases since then. 안전놀이터
Despite his height of 193 centimeters, Ohtani’s feet seemed to fly. When his team was losing 0 to 4, Ohtani got on base with a single on the right side at the bottom of the third inning. He had multiple hits following the first inning. Later, Ohtani stole second base at Mookie Betts’ bat and managed to steal his 54th base.
Ohtani sweated again in the seventh inning. With one out and one out that was trailing 3-5, Ohtani also had a hit to right to take the first base. He successfully stole second again this time, extending his season record to 55. He also homered when Freddie Freeman hit a timely hit, and increased his scoring capacity.
In the last minute, Ohtani used his bat power. When his team was losing four to five, Ohtani came out as the first batter in the top of the ninth inning and hit opposing closer Seth Halbosen with a thumping tying home run. He hit the splitter in the fourth pitch and hit the center fence. He hit the 53rd cannon of this season, which he hit for the first time in two days since Sunday.
The Dodgers later won a thrilling walk-off victory with Betts’ home run. With Ohtani’s milestone, home fans were in a frenzy.
Ohtani is also just one shy of the most stolen bases in a single Asian major league season. Suzuki Ichiro’s Ichiro’s record of 56 steals, which he garnered when playing for the Seattle Mariners in 2001, is the highest.