On Thursday September 18th, Shohei Ohtani made the greatest achievement in all of baseball history.
Shohei Ohtani is the current DH (designated hitter) for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani made his MLB debut on March 29th, 2018, and began his career as a pitcher and an outfielder. He immediately stood out with his additional offensive capabilities.
From Ohtani’s first season in the MLB with the Los Angeles Angels, he was an immediate stand out. He averaged a career era (earned runs allowed) of 3.01, until he suffered a UCL tear, and underwent surgery. Thankfully for Ohtani, his offense was strong enough to keep his career going, and to eventually, make history. He had a desire to win, and sadly, the Los Angeles Angels were not fitting that criteria.
In 2023, Ohtani’s contract with the Angels was up, designating him for free agency – meaning any team was able to offer him a contract. After about a month of free agency, speculation started to arise of his either joining the New York Yankees, or the Los Angeles Dodgers. And on December 11th, 2023, Ohtani was offered a 700-million dollar, 10-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that the Angels just could not match. Making Ohtani the highest paid player in all of baseball history.
On September 19th, 2024, history in the baseball world was made. A normal late season game between the Miami Marlins and the Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off, and it was a game that will go down in the books. Ohtani went 6/6. 6 hits in 6 plate appearances with 10 rbi (runs batted in) and 3 home runs. As legendary and rare as that stat line in one game is, he hit home runs numbers 49, 50, and 51. That was only one half of the legendary moment in Miami. Earlier in the game, Ohtani stole his 50th base of the season. That put him the first player in Major League history to accomplish 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. The Dodgers ended up winning that game 20-4 to put them 89 wins on the season.
When Emerson High School student Tony Rinkiewicz was asked about Ohtani’s record-breaking performance, he stated, “I think it was sensational having a modern-day baseball player do this with such ease.”
Rinkiewicz was also asked if he believes Ohtani has a future Hall of Fame career, and if anyone in the MLB can top Ohtani’s talent. Tony replied, “ If he stays consistent with his offense and defense, I believe he will break even more records in the future, and most definitely have a Hall of Fame season.”
The final question posed to Rinkiewicz was “Who has been a better generational talent, Ohtani, or the power-hitting Aaron Judge from the New York Yankees?” Tony replied, “Although I think Judge is better, Ohtani will end up having a more impact of a career and will change baseball forever.”
