Ten days ago, my fellow writer Steve Leblang penned a fantastic article about Shohei Ohtani, predicting that he would soon create the 50/50 club — hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. When Ohtani first signed with the Los Angeles Angels and became the first two-way player in MLB during my lifetime, I told a few friends that he’d eventually join legends like Barry Bonds, Alfonso Soriano, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays in baseball history and would likely make the 40/40 club at some point as well. Ohtani hit that milestone last month, solidifying his greatness.
Now, as the season draws to a close with just fifteen games remaining, it seems inevitable that Ohtani will break new ground by creating the 50/50 club. And if that weren’t enough, there’s buzz around the possibility of Ohtani pitching for the Dodgers in the playoffs, despite not having taken the mound since last August due to needing Tommy John surgery. So today it’s my turn to talk about this phenom.
Ohtani’s combination of power and speed has made him the talk of baseball, and he’s on the verge of accomplishing something unprecedented in MLB history: the creation of the 50/50 club. While he has already cemented his place as a generational talent, this achievement would put him in a class of his own. Ohtani’s ability to dominate both as a hitter and a pitcher is already legendary, but adding the 50/50 milestone would further highlight his remarkable versatility.
As of now, Ohtani is leading the league with 47 home runs, with that magical 50-home run mark within reach. The rarity of hitting 50 home runs in a season is an incredible feat for any player, but what sets Ohtani apart is his ability to pair that power with elite speed. He’s been a legitimate threat on the basepaths too with 48 stolen bases this season, turning this into a truly historic season.
Baseball has often seen players excel in either power or speed, but rarely both. Ohtani has been redefining those norms this season. Power hitters typically rely on their strength rather than their agility, while speedsters focus on getting on base and stealing bags. Ohtani effortlessly combines both attributes, showcasing his exceptional athleticism.
The 50/50 club is one of the most elusive milestones in baseball. While players like Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez flirted with the possibility, none have achieved it. Ohtani, however, is now closer than anyone before. His base-stealing ability isn’t just about numbers; it’s about timing and instinct. He knows how to read pitchers and exploit opportunities, often catching opponents by surprise.
What makes Ohtani’s potential 50/50 season even more remarkable is that he’s accomplishing this as a two-way player. It’s already impressive for a position player to aim for this milestone, but Ohtani is doing it while also being a top-tier pitcher. To put it into perspective, it’s like imagining Aaron Judge or Pete Alonso chasing the 50/50 club while simultaneously performing as an ace on the mound. The idea is almost unimaginable, yet Ohtani makes it look routine.
The physical demands of excelling as both a hitter and a pitcher are immense, and Ohtani’s ability to handle both roles at an elite level is a testament to his work ethic and natural talent. The mental and physical strain is considerable, which makes his chase for the 50/50 club even more impressive. While the debate over whether Ohtani is the best baseball player of all time will continue, reaching the 50/50 mark would place him in a category few, if any, have achieved.
Ohtani’s ability to stay healthy has been crucial in his pursuit of these milestones. Many great players have seen injuries derail their seasons, but Ohtani has been able to remain on the field. This is no small feat, especially considering his dual role, which adds another layer of physical risk.
Ohtani’s performance has also had a huge impact on the fanbase and the sport as a whole. Even though the Angels haven’t been as competitive as they hoped, Ohtani’s individual achievements have brought excitement and attention to the team. Fans flock to see him play, knowing they might witness history in the making. The potential of a 50/50 season adds a level of anticipation to each game.
Here’s the thing folks: In sports milestones are cherished, Ohtani’s accomplishment of creating the 50/50 club will represent more than just personal success. It reflects the evolution of baseball, where versatility and adaptability are more important than ever. Ohtani has become the face of this new era, pushing the limits of what’s possible on the diamond.
With that… 2024 will just be another chapter in a career that already feels destined for the Hall of Fame.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them.