Image source: Instagram/@shoheiohtani
Shohei Ohtani is now the fastest player in Major League Baseball history to join the elite 40-40 club. The Japanese superstar hit a stunning grand slam in the ninth inning, helping the Los Angeles Dodgers secure a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.
Earlier in the game, Shohei Ohtani stole his 40th base, and with his 40th home run, he became the first Dodgers player ever to achieve the 40-40 milestone. He accomplished this incredible feat in just 126 games, making it the fastest in MLB history.
Shohei Ohtani’s achievement surpasses the previous record set by Alfonso Soriano, who reached 40 homers and 40 stolen bases in 148 games for the Washington Nationals in 2006.
Despite the record-breaking moment, Ohtani remained humble. “Winning is what really matters,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “The record is nice, but it’s all about helping the team win.”
Ohtani’s 389-foot home run was a dramatic one, breaking a 3-3 tie in the ninth inning. Rays center fielder Jose Siri chased the ball as it bounced back onto the field. But in the heat of the moment, he accidentally threw it into the stands, meaning Ohtani didn’t get to keep the historic ball.
In the Dodgers’ clubhouse, starting pitcher Bobby Miller watched the moment unfold on TV. “I called it,” Miller said. “I thought it would be amazing if he achieved 40-40 with a walk-off grand slam. He’s a special player.”
The crowd of 45,556 erupted in cheers, and Ohtani took a curtain call. His teammates, Miguel Rojas and Teoscar Hernández, celebrated by dousing him with water on the field.
Joining the likes of Soriano, Ronald Acuna Jr., Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, and Jose Canseco, Ohtani now stands in rare company. Acuna joined the 40-40 club last season, hitting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases.
For Shohei Ohtani, who never made the postseason in his six years with the Los Angeles Angels, this moment is particularly sweet. Now with the NL West-leading Dodgers, he’s got his eyes on the ultimate prize. “Our main goal is to reach the postseason and win the World Series,” Ohtani said. “The records are part of the journey, but winning it all is what counts.”
In the fourth inning, Shohei Ohtani hit an infield single and then stole second base, bringing his total to 12 stolen bases in August. This is the most by a Dodger in a single month since Rafael Furcal’s perfect 12-for-12 in September and October 2007.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani’s evolution as a base stealer. “He’s doing a great job taking care of his legs and studying how opposing pitchers play. He’s become much more efficient on the bases,” Roberts said.
Shohei Ohtani’s season has been nothing short of spectacular, and his 40-40 achievement adds another chapter to his already legendary career. As the postseason looms, fans can expect more dramatic moments from the Japanese phenom.
