LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Billie Jean King & other sports icons react to Shohei Ohtani's 50/50 landmark
Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Shohei Ohtani's baseball stardom was never in doubt. The Japanese two-way star has elevated his status as a sporting great after his historic night against the Miami Marlins on Thursday, becoming the first to accomplish the unprecedented 50-50 milestone. Fellow LA superstar and NBA icon LeBron James was one of the greats to congratulate Ohtani on his achievement.
Ohtani registered three home runs and two stolen bases against the Marlins to become the first player to register 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season. Lakers superstar LeBron reposted Ohtani's highlights from the game, writing:
"THIS GUY IS UNREAL!!!! WOWZERS."
LeBron isn't the only high-profile athlete to react to the two-time MVP's remarkable feat, as Kansas City Chiefs' three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes also reacted to Ohtani's accomplishment.
"Insane!!!," Mahomes wrote sharing Ohtani's stats from the game.
Former world No.1 and tennis legend Billie Jean King also reacted to Shohei Ohtani becoming the first player in MLB history to reach the 50-50 mark.
"Congratulations to Shohei Ohtani of the @Dodgers on making MLB history!"
Philadelphia 76ers' seven-time NBA All-Star and one-time MVP Joel Embiid acknowledged Shohei Ohtani as the "GOAT."
"Yup Ohtani is the GOAT," Embiid wrote.
Shohei Ohtani could make more history with the Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani has adjusted to life with the Dodgers remarkably well after his record-breaking move in the offseason. He added another dimension to his hitting, posting career-high stolen base numbers in a season he's rehabbing from shoulder surgery, restricting his pitching.
The two-time MVP is an odds-on favorite to land a third title, first in the National League. However, Ohtani could elevate his legacy by entering the 60-60 club, as he's nine home runs and as many stolen bases away with nine games remaining in the regular season.
After a three home run and two SB night on Thursday against the Marlins, it's not beyond the Japanese superstar to enter the 60-60 club. However, with the Dodgers clinching their postseason spot, manager Dave Roberts might give Ohtani some rest to manage his workload with October baseball approaching.
Whatever happens in the remaining games of the regular season, it sure is an exciting time to be a Dodgers fan with Ohtani leading the charge in pursuit of his first World Series title.