Ohtani Achieves Historic Feat with 85 Extra-Base Hits and 45 Steals

Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine baseball history, making headlines on Sunday by becoming the first player in 130 years to achieve 85 extra-base hits (XBH) and 45 stolen bases in a single season. His remarkable performance included two doubles against the Atlanta Braves, contributing to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 9-2 victory and bringing Ohtani’s season total to 86 extra-base hits alongside 48 stolen bases.

This incredible achievement places Ohtani alongside only one other player, Hugh Duffy, who accomplished a similar feat in 1894 while playing for the Boston Beaneaters. Duffy’s record of 85 XBH and 48 steals has stood the test of time, marking his season as one of the greatest in baseball history. Notably, Duffy boasted a staggering .440 batting average that year, a figure rarely seen in the game today.

As Ohtani moves through the final stretch of the regular season, he has the opportunity to add to his legacy. With just 13 games left to play, he requires only three more home runs and two additional stolen bases to become the first player in Major League Baseball history to reach the 50-50 milestone—achieving at least 50 home runs and 50 steals in one season. This would not only elevate him into an elite group that includes legends like Barry Bonds, Joe DiMaggio, and Roy Campanella but also solidify his status as one of the greatest players of all time.

Despite his historic accomplishments, Ohtani has faced challenges in reaching the postseason throughout his six years in MLB. However, the 2023 season could mark a turning point for him, as the Dodgers are currently leading the National League West by 3.5 games over the San Diego Padres. This position gives Ohtani a real shot at experiencing playoff baseball, something he has yet to do in his professional career.

Ohtani has been recovering from elbow surgery throughout the season, which has limited his time on the mound. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has hinted that a return to pitching during the postseason is not out of the question. “I wouldn’t put it past him to have an eye on that,” Roberts said in an interview with MLB Network Radio. “You should always leave some margin for possibility.”

Roberts indicated that if circumstances align—specifically, if Ohtani’s health allows it and there is a need for him in critical game situations—Ohtani could once again take the mound. The potential for a storybook ending to the season, coupled with his already impressive statistics, adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative of Ohtani’s career.

As he continues to make history on the field, Ohtani’s unique skill set and ability to excel as both a hitter and pitcher keep fans and analysts alike captivated. His pursuit of the 50-50 milestone, along with the potential to finally make a postseason appearance, creates an exciting backdrop as the Dodgers look to secure their place in the playoffs.

In summary, Shohei Ohtani’s combination of power and speed not only places him in a rarefied class of baseball greats but also keeps the spirit of competition alive as the season winds down. Whether he achieves the elusive 50-50 status or leads the Dodgers on a deep postseason run, Ohtani’s legacy continues to grow, marking him as one of the most significant figures in modern baseball history. As fans eagerly await the conclusion of the regular season, Ohtani’s journey remains one of the most compelling stories in the sport today.