On September 19, 2024, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers etched his name in baseball lore by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. This unprecedented feat occurred during a game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park, where Ohtani put on a performance for the ages.
In a20-4 rout of the Marlins, Ohtani went 6-for-6 at the plate, including three home runs and two doubles. He also stole two bases, bringing his season totals to 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases. This extraordinary display not only secured his place as the sole member of the 50-50 club but also set a new franchise record with10 RBIs in a single game.
The historic moment came in the seventh inning when Ohtani launched an opposite-field home run off Marlins pitcher Mike Baumann. This blast marked his 50th home run of the season, complementing the 50 stolen bases he had already accumulated.
Ohtani’s achievement surpasses the previous benchmark of the 40-40 club, of which he became a member just weeks earlier on August 23. His entry into the 40-40 club was equally dramatic, sealed with a walk-off grand slam against the Tampa Bay Rays.
The creation of the 50-50 club is a testament to Ohtani’s unique blend of power and speed, showcasing a level of all-around excellence rarely seen in the sport. As the baseball world marvels at this new milestone, Ohtani’s 2024 season will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in MLB history.