Ohtani continues to show flair for the dramatic in historic first season with Dodgers
LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani continues to show a flair for the dramatic in his historic first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Japanese superstar became the only player in major league history to hit 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases, all in a series of firsts.
Ohtani had the first three-homer game of his career – all coming after the sixth inning – his first six-hit game and a franchise and career-high 10 RBIs. in Miami Thursday. No one in MLB history has done that before.
He finished the night with 51 home runs and 51 steals.
“For me, trying to hit a home run is not the ideal way to do it, so I’m trying to focus on quality at-bats,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.
He also stole two bases and nearly hit for the cycle, but was tagged out in the third as he tried to turn his second double into a triple while showing his rare combination of speed and power.
Ohtani will try to top that Friday at Dodger Stadium against the Colorado Rockies. His previous bests were 46 home runs and 26 stolen bases in 2021, when he won the first of his two American League MVP awards while playing for the Los Angeles Angels.
He is now the favorite for the National League MVP title.
It seems there are no limits for Ohtani.
He was the fastest player to reach the 40-40 mark with a ninth-inning grand slam against Tampa Bay in his 126th game on Aug. 23.
He now has nine games left to see what else he can do in the regular season.
The Dodgers clinched a playoff berth for the 12th straight season with a 20-4 victory over the Marlins. That’s nothing new for them, but it is for Ohtani. He’s gone 865 games without a playoff appearance, more than any other active player.
Ohtani made it clear when he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers last December that competing for a championship is what motivates him.
“The number one goal is to make the playoffs and win the World Series,” he said last month.
In his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, they never made the playoffs or had a winning record.
The National League West-leading Dodgers are seeking their 11th division title in 12 seasons.
Ohtani’s astonishing feats come during a season where his closest friend betrayed him and he’s not pitching while recovering from elbow surgery last offseason.
He sat out the home run contest during All-Star weekend in July to avoid possible further injury, although as a designated hitter he hit a three-run home run in the National League loss.
Not pitching allowed Ohtani to keep his arms and legs fresher and faster, while allowing him to focus and improve on other aspects of his game. He honed his running and stealing skills, learning how to get good swings at opposing pitchers by studying video of their tendencies.
Dodgers fans may witness a once-in-a-generation aspect of Ohtani’s game. Once he starts pitching every five days next year, his legs may not allow him to steal as many bases.
The Ohtani effect is also visible off the field.
Fans created mob scenes in and around Dodger Stadium during its two bobblehead figurines giftsOhtani’s final promotion will take place Saturday, when T-shirts featuring his image will be given away to the first 40,000 fans.
Japanese tourists flock to the stadium for guided tours, prompting the team to hire more Japanese-speaking guides. The team has also signed numerous contracts with Japanese sponsors.
“He’s one of a kind,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
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