WATCH: Shohei Ohtani's record-breaking 50-50 cleats featuring Decoy to be preserved in the Hall of Fame
Shohei Ohtani recorded one of the best individual performances in baseball history against the Miami Marlins, completing the all-elusive 50-50 mark (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases). The LA Dodgers superstar went 6-for-6 with five extra-base hits, including three home runs and 10 RBIs. He also stole two bases.
After the game, an official carefully documented all of Ohtani's gear, including leg guards, gloves, and custom New Balance cleats, in a book. This gear is set to be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame for preservation. Notably, Ohtani's New Balance cleats feature a design of his dog, Decoy, and were debuted by the Japanese superstar last month.
Entering Thursday's game, Shohei Ohtani was two home runs and one stolen base away from reaching the unprecedented 50-50 club. He achieved the latter in the first inning, stealing third after a double. He stole another after hitting a single in the second and struck a two-RBI double in the third.
The Dodgers superstar was just getting started as he went yard in the sixth inning, hitting a two-run homer to tie Shawn Green's franchise record for most home runs in a season.
The historic moment followed in the next inning, when the 30-year-old hit an opposite-field home run, his 50th of the season. Ohtani was serenaded with sensational applause as he covered the bases and got back to the dugout.
Shohei Ohtani's incredible night: What makes it so special?
Records tumbled on one of baseball's greatest nights. It is not merely Shohei's achievement but how he has gotten there is extraordinary.
He became the first player ever with five extra-base hits and 10 RBIs in a game, and also the first with multiple homers and multiple stolen bases with five hits. If the walk-off grand slam to reach the 40-40 mark was impressive, this certainly tops it.
As for the season, Ohtani's 50-50 mark is miles ahead of any other power-speed combination year. No other player who has hit more than 50 home runs has even achieved 25 stolen bases, while no other player who has stolen 50 bases in a season has hit more than 41 home runs.
Shohei Ohtani's unique landmark sets the benchmark for quite possibly the greatest individual offensive season in baseball history. He is still not done and would certainly want to add to his 51-51 in the next nine games.
Maybe 60-60? Share your remarks on Shohei Ohtani's benchmark season and what finally he'll end up with in the remaining nine games.