Dodgers star Ohtani makes MLB 50-50 history

Shohei Ohtani created baseball history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar needed one stolen base and two home runs to achieve the feat and ended the night with 51 home runs and 51 steals in a 20-4 win over the Miami Marlins.

Ohtani stole third base in the first inning to hit the first part of the record.

He then recorded his 51st steal before smashing a 49th home run of the season in the sixth inning, tying a Dodgers’ record for most home runs in a season set by Shawn Green in 2001.

Ohtani then made it 50 home runs in the next inning to become the first player to record the 50-50 feat.

“To be honest, I’m the one probably most surprised,” Ohtani said.

“I have no idea where this came from, but I’m glad that I performed well today.”

The 30-year-old Japanese player joined the Dodgers on a 10-year $700m (£527m) contract in December – the biggest deal in the sport’s history – which made him one of the highest-earning athletes in the world.

Ohtani has played 866 MLB games, the most among all active players to have never played in the post-season until now, after the Dodgers made the play-offs for a 12th straight year.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said: “While Shohei Ohtani has been a groundbreaking player for many years, 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.

“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.”