Most know Shohei Ohtani as being a top-notch batter and pitcher, but the question always remained: How good could he be if he focused on only one side of the equation?
Turns out, he’s the most complete offensive talent in the league and one of the most productive batters of all time.
The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar joined the elusive 40-40 club on Friday, reaching both 40 stolen bases and home runs in the same outing against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Better yet, he was also the fastest to ever do it, accomplishing the feat in only 126 games, 21 faster than when Alfonso Soriano did it in 147 games in 2006 — now the second fastest mark.
Batting lead-off for the Dodgers, Ohtani stole the 40th bag in the bottom of the fourth inning. He followed it up with his 40th homer later on at the bottom of the ninth inning, hitting a walk-off grand slam.
He joins Jose Canseco (1988), Barry Bonds (1996), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Alfonso Soriano (2006) and Ronald Acuna Jr. (2023). He’s the first Dodgers player to join the club.
It would be an understatement to say that Ohtani has had a season for the ages as the 30-year-old cruises toward his third MVP award. He has ripped the cover off the ball, putting up a .291 batting average and a league-leading .610 slugging percentage. His 40 home runs also lead the NL.
Over the last two seasons, Ohtani has hit 84 home runs, second behind only Aaron Judge who is pacing the AL in homers with 49 this year.
His career-high in home runs is the 46 he hit when he won MVP for the first time in 2021. However, his stolen base tally of 40 well-eclipses his previous career-high of 26, also set in 2021.
Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two-way sensation for the Los Angeles Dodgers, made history on Tuesday night by becoming the newest member of the exclusive 40-40 club with a walk-off grand slam against the San Diego Padres. This milestone achievement solidifies Ohtani’s status as one of the most dynamic and exciting players in Major League Baseball.
The 40-40 club is a prestigious group of players who have hit 40 home runs and stolen 40 bases in a single season. Ohtani’s walk-off grand slam not only secured his place in this elite club but also showcased his incredible talent and versatility on the field.
Ohtani’s performance on Tuesday night was nothing short of spectacular. In addition to his game-winning grand slam, he also hit two other home runs earlier in the game, bringing his season total to an impressive 42. His speed and base-running skills were also on full display as he stole two bases, bringing his season total to 41.
Ohtani’s ability to excel both as a hitter and a base-runner is truly remarkable and sets him apart from other players in the league. His combination of power, speed, and athleticism makes him a threat to opposing teams every time he steps up to the plate.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Ohtani is also a standout pitcher for the Dodgers. He has a blazing fastball and a devastating splitter that has baffled hitters all season long. His ability to dominate on the mound while also producing at the plate is a rare and valuable asset for any team.
Ohtani’s historic achievement on Tuesday night is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. He has quickly become a fan favorite in Los Angeles and around the league, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest players in baseball history.
As Ohtani continues to rewrite the record books and dazzle fans with his incredible performances, it is clear that he is a once-in-a-generation talent who is destined for greatness. The Dodgers are fortunate to have him on their roster and fans can look forward to many more memorable moments from Shohei Ohtani in the years to come.