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The 50/50 Man



NOTE: This article was first published online at The Sports Column on Sunday, September 22, 2024.


Shohei Ohtani is now the first in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases. In breaking the record against the Marlins last Thursday in Miami, he went 6-for-6 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, scored four runs, and stole two bases.


"While Shohei Ohtani has been a groundbreaking player for many years. Now, his latest feat as the first 50/50 player in the history of Major League Baseball reflects not just his amazing power-and-speed talent, but his character, his drive, and his commitment to all-around excellence," Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.  "On behalf of Major League Baseball, I congratulate Shohei on this remarkable achievement. We are proud that he continues to take our game to new heights." 


The last player to come close was Jose Canseco in 1988, when he hit 40 home runs and stole 40 bases with the Oakland A's, a feat that many thought would never be broken. Ohtani is well on his way, maybe even creating a 60/60 club this season as he solidifies his run at the NL MVP award, which will be his third in his career.


"Happy, relieved, and very respectful to the peers and everybody who came before me to play this sport of baseball," Ohtani told reporters in Miami. It was something I wanted to get over as soon as possible."


Signing with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017 from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of the Japanese Nippon Professional League, Ohtani was heavily touted as an exceptional hitter and pitcher, including with comparisons to Babe Ruth. His total career statistics in Japan were a 42-15 win-loss record, a 2.52 ERA, and 624 strikeouts. At the plate, he had a batting average of .284, 297 hits, 48 home runs, and 166 RBIs. This season is also one of his best in the MLB. To date, he has hit 52 home runs, 122 RBIs, 179 hits, and stolen 52 bases. This will also be his first appearance in the postseason, as the Dodgers clinched an NL playoff spot.

In his first year with the Dodgers, he's living up to the $700 million contract he signed in December. But his performance is all about hitting. Pitching will have to wait. In 2023, he suffered an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow and required surgery to repair it. He posted a 10–5 record, posting a 3.14 ERA and striking out 167 batters in 2023, and hasn't pitched since then.


Ohtani said on his 50/50 performance, "To be honest, I'm probably most surprised." 


We all are.



Additionally, Topps NOW® has also released a commemorative card for Ohtani's feat. It has an on-card autograph numbered/5 or 1/1 inscribed "50/50 Club 9/19/24," Steal/Home run Image Variation Short Prints, and Curtain Call Image Variation Super Short Prints.


— Joe Boesch 

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