Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts praised the historic achievement of his teammate Shohei Ohtani on Thursday. Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to join the elusive 50-50 club, hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season.
Betts, like many others, was in awe of the Japanese phenom’s extraordinary performance and expressed his admiration by labeling him "The GOAT."
"The [goat]" (Greatest of All Time) - Captioned Mookie Betts.
Ohtani’s record-breaking night came during a 20-4 win over the Miami Marlins. He went 6-for-6, hitting three home runs, while collecting 10 RBIs, and adding two stolen bases to his tally. With his 50th home run of the season, Ohtani became the first player in baseball history to achieve this particular combination of power and speed in a single year, a feat many people thought impossible in modern baseball.
Shohei Ohtani, a two-way sensation, is also known for his ability as a pitcher. However, he has been sidelined from pitching in 2024 following an elbow surgery, limiting his playtime as a designated hitter.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani have clinched a spot in the 2024 postseason.
The Dodgers’ win against Marlins also secured their spot in the postseason, marking Ohtani’s first trip to October baseball since joining the league in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels. His journey from the Angels to the Dodgers has been filled with milestones, but this 50-50 season is one of the most remarkable achievements in the career of the two-time American League MVP.
Mookie Betts’ post seems to have resonated with many baseball fans, who already consider Shohei Ohtani one of the best players in history, comparing him to greats such as Babe Ruth.
With nine games still remaining in the regular season for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani will hope to keep impressing fans with his skill, and with the postseason ahead, only time will tell if 2024 will finally see him win a ring.