Shohei Ohtani Chasing Unprecedented 50-50 Feat

“At the stage of preparation, it felt like there wasn’t much of a good future in sight.”

 

On August 18th, Shohei Ohtani (30), who hit his 38th home run with a bullet liner into the right field stand, was unusually negative.

 

In August, Ohtani struggled. His monthly batting average of .195 and on-base percentage of .250 are the lowest of the season so far (as of August 21). 

 

Despite this, reporters covering the scene laugh, saying, “I don’t understand why he would be negative.”

 

“On the 19th, he hit his 39th home run into the right field stands for the second consecutive game. Although his batting average is indeed low, Ohtani has hit seven home runs and stolen ten bases in just the first half of the month. His average monthly home runs are eight, and his average stolen bases are seven, so his current pace is quite high. With 37 stolen bases this season, he is on the verge of becoming only the sixth player in history to achieve 40-40 (40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a season). Out of 162 games, there have been just under 130 games played so far, so there is a high possibility of significantly breaking the fastest record of 147 games set by Alfonso Soriano in 2006.”

 

Having achieved 10 wins and 40 home runs last year, Ohtani aims for 40-40 this year. This alone is an incredible record, but sports writer Nachi Tomonari says, “Not just 40-40, but a 50-50, which no one has achieved, is also realistic.”

 

“Considering the remaining games, hitting 50 home runs is at the edge, but with Mookie Betts (31) and Freddie Freeman (34) returning to the team, the number of at-bats per game should increase. Given that Ohtani’s current home run production rate is approximately one every 12.4 at-bats, hitting 51 to 53 home runs is a reasonable expectation.”

Indeed, hitting 50 home runs might be achievable. However, the question remains about stolen bases. Given that Ohtani’s previous high for stolen bases is 26, set during the 2021 season, reaching 50 stolen bases seems quite challenging.

“Actually, he might even extend it to around 55 stolen bases. Ohtani recorded 16 stolen bases by June this season, but in the second half of the season, the number increased to 21 just in July and August. It’s clear that Ohtani is accelerating his pace with 50-50 in mind. Since this is the only season he can focus solely on being a hitter, he might see it as his last chance to achieve such an unprecedented record.” (said the reporter) 

However, Ohtani has a tendency to slump in performance during September and October. Although he won’t be pitching this season, caution is still necessary.

 

“That’s the only concern. We hope he avoids injuries from aggressive stolen bases. While the team might consider resting Ohtani with an eye on the postseason, he is likely to continue playing as the team is competing with the Padres and Diamondbacks. As long as he doesn’t chase bad pitches in his pursuit of home runs and continues at his current pace, the results will follow.” (said Tomonari)

 

Ohtani is a player who has repeatedly overcome concerns from those around him. Fans can expect him to achieve the historic feats they’ve been eagerly waiting for.

From the September 6-13, 2024 issue of ‘FRIDAY’.