While all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani’s count on the homers and stolen bases, it does seem that reaching more than 50 on both stat lines speaks volumes as to how the former Los Angeles Angels star now thrives well in his campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers – which happens to be only his first season with the star-studded club.

A lot of experts and critics were quick to say that he would have a lot of tough time figuring out his game in his move to the Dodgers in the offseason, considering the fact that he was then the team’s Designated Hitter to give way to Mookie Betts – which seriously hampered the Japanese star’s MVP chances as well. But then later injuries to Betts and the rest of the team forced them to play their Ohtani card, and boy did it pay well so far.

As of the time of writing, Ohtani has already eclipsed 50 homers and 50 stolen bases. He is the first and only player on that list – a feat that no other player has achieved in their careers. Not even the legendary players of the MLB has touched close to that. The two-way sensation was also the fastest to reach 40-40 in the same stat lines if you are not impressed.

A Story of Growth and Development

Back in his time with the Angels, Ohtani was carrying much of the load for the team with Mike Trout being quite far from his usual game at the time. This allowed Ohtani to expand his game aside from batting and would become a promising pitcher in his own right as well. However, things started to turn sideways as the two-time American League MVP wanted to win titles, which needed time for the Angels to give him a competitive roster – which is a luxury that Ohtani didn’t have.

Flash forward to his historic game against the Marlins. Ohtani would finish 6-for-6, which included a three-run homer in the top of the seventh inning to secure his 50th blast shot to lead the Dodgers in their 20-4 domination of the Miami squad. At the same time, the Japanese star also led them to secure a playoff spot – which will mark Ohtani’s first postseason run after not making it in his first six years with the Angels.

This is a truly remarkable season for Ohtani, who has been eyeing on the 50-50 list for quite some time ever since he earned more playing time and bigger strides in his campaign with the Dodgers.

“It was something that I wanted to get over as quickly as possible,” said Ohtani about clinching the 50-50 record in homers and bases stolen. “It’s something that I’m going to cherish for a very long time. I have no idea where this came from but I’m glad that I performed well today.”

A Playoff Campaign in the Midst

Ohtani was the star slugger and pitcher for the Angels in his first six MLB seasons. He would go on to win the American League MVP award twice, but always missed the postseason. After signing a massive and historic $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers, it does seem that he will continue to have a legendary season in the making at this point.

As of the time of writing, the Dodgers stand alone at the top of the National League West with a 92-63 record, being leagues ahead of the San Diego Padres, who are second in the division. Ohtani’s winning strides has helped the Dodgers to rise to the best record in the MLB this season – tied with the Philadelphia Phillies so far – at least until the season ends.