Ohtani Achieves 40 Home Runs and 40 Stolen Bases with Walk-Off Grand Slam... First in Asia

Image source=AP Yonhap News

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) has achieved the 40 home runs-40 stolen bases milestone in Major League Baseball (MLB).

On the 24th (Korean time), Ohtani started as the leadoff designated hitter in the home game against the 2024 MLB Tampa Bay Rays at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. In the game, Ohtani recorded 2 hits (1 home run) in 5 at-bats, 1 stolen base, 4 RBIs, and 1 run scored. This home run and stolen base marked Ohtani's 40th home run and 40th stolen base of the season.

In the bottom of the 9th inning with the score tied 3-3 and two outs with the bases loaded, Ohtani hit the first pitch slider from left-handed pitcher Colin Poche. The ball flew 118.5 meters at a speed of 169 km/h, clearing the center field fence, and the Dodgers secured a walk-off victory thanks to Ohtani's grand slam.

Ohtani's 40-40 achievement is the sixth in MLB history and the first by a player from Asia. He reached the 40-40 milestone in just 126 games played (team's 129 games), setting a new record for the fewest games needed. The previous record was held by Alfonso Soriano in 2006, who achieved it in 147 games (team's 148 games).

The first 40-40 was recorded in 1988 by Jose Canseco (Oakland Athletics) with 42 home runs and 40 stolen bases. Subsequently, Barry Bonds (San Francisco Giants, 42 home runs, 40 stolen bases) in 1996, Alex Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners, 42 home runs, 46 stolen bases) in 1998, and Soriano (Washington Nationals, 46 home runs, 41 stolen bases) in 2006 achieved the feat.

Last year, Ronald Acu?a Jr. (Atlanta Braves) recorded 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases, reaching the 40-40 milestone for the first time in 17 years.