LA Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani (30) is on the verge of breaking the record for the most home runs in Asian Major Leaguers.
Ohtani started as the first designated hitter in the game against the Cleveland Guardians of the “2024 Major League” held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California on the 7th (Korea time). He had two hits, one homer, one RBI, and one run from four times at bat on the day. With five more homers and four stolen bases, Ohtani can achieve the record of “50 homers – 50 steals” for the first time in Major League history.
Ohtani’s home run was hit at his third batter’s box in the bottom of the sixth inning. With no runners on base with one out, Ohtani targeted an 88.8-mile sinker thrown by Matthew Boyd, the opponent team’s starter. As the ball was driven to the center of the strike zone, he swung the bat boldly. As soon as he was hit, everyone could sense that it was a home run. The pitch was so strong that it had a flying speed of 111.2 miles (179 kilometers) and a flying distance of 413 feet (126 meters). Ohtani’s ball went over the central fence, which was recorded as his 45th home run for this season.
Ohtani, who made his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, has established himself as a “man of records” by breaking various records. He is also close to achieving “50 homers and 50 steals,” which no one has achieved in the history of the Major League for more than 140 years. “Ohtani is on pace to hit 51 homers and 53 steals. At the current pace, Ohtani is expected to make history in the Major League once again. It is not a matter of when he will use it,” Ohtani said, vowing to set a milestone of “50 homers and 50 steals.”
Furthermore, he is expected to break the Asian Major Leaguer’s career record of most home runs. This was held by Choo. Choo, who made his big league debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2005, has continued his career with the Cleveland Indians, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Texas Rangers. He has 218 home runs in 1,652 games. He has the most home runs in an Asian Major Leaguer.
Ohtani was on the major league stage at the Los Angeles Angels in 2018 and has 216 home runs in 854 games. With three more home runs, Hotani will take the title of the most home runs in the Asian Major League that Choo Shin-soo has. It is actually only a matter of time before Ohtani breaks this record. Japanese sports media “Nikkan Sports” reported that “Ohtani will have only two more home runs left, including Choo Shin-soo’s record of 218 in Asia.” 안전놀이터
Ohtani has been active since the first year of his transfer to the Dodgers. If he makes one more homer, he will tie his career high. Ohtani had 46 homeruns in the 2021 season. With one more RBI, he can also break his record of 100 RBIs in the 2021 season.
Otani, who is currently batting only after undergoing elbow surgery, is having an overwhelming season. Will Otani be able to break Choo’s record and set a new history in the Major League.
