Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is on the verge of making baseball history once again. On September 19, 2024, Ohtani stole his 49th base of the season during a remarkable game against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, putting him just one stolen base and two home runs away from achieving the first-ever 50 home run and 50 stolen base season in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. This extraordinary performance has captivated fans and analysts alike, solidifying Ohtani’s reputation as one of the most dynamic players in the sport.
No player in MLB history has ever achieved 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, a feat that underscores Ohtani’s unique blend of power and speed. On September 19, 2024, Ohtani delivered what many are calling one of the greatest single-game performances in baseball history. In a 20-4 rout of the Marlins, he went 6-for-6 at the plate, hitting three home runs (including his 49th, 50th, and 51st of the season), driving in 10 runs, and stealing two bases, including his 50th and 51st. This performance not only pushed him past the 50-50 mark but also set a new benchmark for individual brilliance in the sport.
The September 19 game against the Marlins was a showcase of Ohtani’s unparalleled talent. Facing Miami’s pitching staff, he was unstoppable, recording two doubles, three home runs, and two stolen bases while driving in a career-high 10 RBIs. This performance came in front of a Miami crowd that witnessed history, as Ohtani became the founding member of the 50-50 club. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who moved Ohtani to the leadoff spot earlier in the season, praised his star player, noting that there are “not many more superlatives you can use for Shohei.” Roberts’ decision to bat Ohtani leadoff since June 17, 2024, has paid dividends, as Ohtani’s production soared, with 19 home runs and 15 stolen bases by that point in the season.
Ohtani’s ability to combine power and speed is a testament to his work ethic and adaptability. Unable to pitch in 2024 due to recovery from UCL surgery, Ohtani focused on improving his baserunning, finishing the season with 59 stolen bases in 63 attempts, a remarkable 93.7% success rate. His 54 home runs led the National League, and he finished the season with a .310 batting average and 130 RBIs, earning him a Silver Slugger award and cementing his status as one of baseball’s elite offensive players.
Ohtani’s 50th home run ball became a story of its own, fetching a record-breaking $4.392 million at auction, the highest price ever paid for a sports ball. The ball, hit during the seventh inning against the Marlins, sparked a frenzy in the stands, with fans scrambling to claim the historic keepsake. The auction, conducted by Goldin Auctions, saw bids from around the world, reflecting Ohtani’s global stardom. However, the ownership of the ball remains disputed, with multiple lawsuits filed by fans claiming they were the rightful owners. The ball is now on display at Taipei 101 in Taiwan, under tight security, alongside other Ohtani memorabilia, including a jersey, cap, and autograph. The exhibition, which runs through March 2, 2025, highlights Ohtani’s influence on baseball fans worldwide.
The legal battle over the ball underscores the cultural and financial significance of Ohtani’s milestone. UC Capital, the Taiwanese company that purchased the ball, recognized its value, stating, “Shohei Ohtani’s influence on baseball around the world will continue to rise in the future, and we firmly believe that this decision is full of significance.” The ball’s authenticity was verified by MLB, which took the rare step of authenticating game balls as Ohtani neared the 50-50 mark, ensuring its place in history.
Ohtani’s 2024 season was not just about numbers; it was a testament to his resilience and versatility. After undergoing elbow surgery that prevented him from pitching, he reinvented himself as a baserunner while maintaining his dominance at the plate. His performance earned praise from peers, with New York Yankees star Aaron Judge calling him “the best player in the game.” Ohtani’s ability to adapt and excel in multiple facets of the game has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth, but his 50-50 season stands alone as a singular achievement.
Off the field, Ohtani’s global appeal continues to grow. His bobblehead nights, including one on May 16, 2025, where he hit two home runs and drove in six runs against the Oakland Athletics, have become must-see events for Dodgers fans. The bobblehead commemorating his 50-50 season, featuring Ohtani with his dog Decoy, was a fan favorite, with Ohtani going deep in his last three bobblehead games. His marketability, combined with his on-field dominance, has made him a cultural phenomenon, with fans in Japan, Taiwan, and beyond celebrating his every move.
As the 2025 season progresses, Ohtani is already showing signs of repeating his historic performance. Through the first 35 games of 2025, he has 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases, putting him on pace for a 47-47 season, assuming he plays all remaining games. His hardest-hit home run of 2025, a 117.9 mph blast against the Marlins, is a reminder of his raw power. Additionally, Ohtani is working toward a return to the mound, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicating he could pitch again in a couple of months. The possibility of a 40-40-40 season—40 home runs, 40 stolen bases, and 40 strikeouts pitched—has been floated, which would further cement Ohtani’s legacy as a two-way superstar.
Ohtani’s chase for another 50-50 season has fans and analysts buzzing. Posts on X have captured the excitement, with one user describing his September 19, 2024, performance as “one of the greatest games ever” and others marveling at his ability to make the extraordinary seem routine. While it’s unlikely Ohtani will play every game in 2025, his current pace suggests he could come close to another historic milestone.
Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of the 50-50 milestone in 2024 was a defining moment in baseball history, and his 49th stolen base was a critical step toward that achievement. His ability to combine power, speed, and charisma has made him a global icon, with his 50th home run ball becoming a symbol of his impact on the sport. As he continues to chase history in 2025, Ohtani remains a player who defies expectations, rewriting what’s possible in baseball.
For fans eager to follow Ohtani’s journey, the question isn’t if he’ll make history again but how. Whether it’s another 50-50 season or a return to two-way dominance, Ohtani’s story is far from over. His performance against the Marlins on September 19, 2024, will be remembered as the day he etched his name into the record books, and with each stolen base and home run, he continues to build a legacy that may never be matched.
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