Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ designated hitter, is making headlines in the baseball community after stealing three bases against the Arizona Diamondbacks. With 46 stolen bases and 44 home runs under his belt, Ohtani is on track to achieve the first-ever 50-50 season in MLB history, but his health will be the deciding factor. At this rate, he could finish with a staggering 51 homers and 54 steals before the season ends.
Only a handful of players, including Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds, have reached the 40-40 milestone, and Ohtani accomplished that on August 24. He’s already a standout, being the first player to enter the newly established 43-43 club.
Shohei Ohtani is on pace for 51 home runs and 54 stolen bases
No player has ever had that combination in a season
his 44 is already the highest total a player has reached in BOTH HR & SB in a season https://t.co/bVtj63P6Pp
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 2, 2024
This week, Ohtani is expected to return to the leadoff spot as the Dodgers face off against the Angels in Anaheim, marking his first regular-season game there as an opposing player after spending six years with the Angels.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts added some humor to the situation, joking about possibly giving Ohtani an off-day to avoid any pressure surrounding the 50-50 chase. “How would that go? Would that go over OK?” he quipped.
The Angels had a tribute video for Shohei Ohtani in his return to Anaheim.
The game was paused for a little over a minute.
He got a loud cheer and thanked the fans.
Here’s the video: pic.twitter.com/3LIyTqqmXw
— Noah Camras (@noahcamras) March 27, 2024
Will the Angels Honor Ohtani?
As Ohtani prepares for his return to Anaheim, the question arises whether the Angels will recognize this significant occasion. They’ve previously celebrated him during an exhibition game, but reports suggest there are no current plans for a formal tribute before Tuesday’s game. However, the situation might change.
Ohtani himself has moved on from thinking about what might have been if the Angels had matched the Dodgers’ record-breaking contract offer last December.
Ahead of his return to Anaheim tomorrow, asked Shohei Ohtani if he was surprised the Angels didn’t match the $700 million offer he signed with the Dodgers –– and whether he might still be an Angel if they had
His answers in Japanese (h/t @dylanohernandez on translation): pic.twitter.com/Cr85z1ah4S
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) September 3, 2024
It seems that both Ohtani and the Angels might be ready to move forward.