Shohei Ohtani added another historic feat to his growing legend on Saturday, as the Angels superstar became MLB’s home run leader with a landmark moonshot in a 10–9 loss to the Royals.
With L.A. leading 7–2 at the top of the seventh inning, Ohtani belted a 437-foot bomb over the center field wall for his 23rd homer of the season, breaking a tie with Mets star first baseman Pete Alonso for sole possession of the league lead in home runs.
Ohtani’s solo smash also marked the 150th home run of his career, moving the two-time All-Star into elite company in the record books. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Ohtani’s 150 HR and 75 stolen bases in 652 career games is the fourth-shortest stretch of games to reach the mark in MLB history, trailing only Alex Rodriguez (646), Jose Canseco (630) and Willie Mays (598).
On the season, Ohtani has recorded 10 stolen bases in 71 games played, giving him 76 stolen bases for his career.
Shohei Ohtani: MLB's new home run leader with his 23rd on the season ????
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 17, 2023
(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/ntffW5AbrV
Already considered amongst the game’s greats, Ohtani finding another way to be mentioned with the likes of an all-timer like Mays, and past stars such as A-Rod and Canseco is certainly no small task. But, while all three are legends in their own right, obviously, none of the trio were getting it done on the mound and at the plate like Ohtani.
Following Saturday’s matchup, Ohtani–the second Japanese-born player with 150 HRs alongside Hideki Matsui (175)–is now hitting .300 with 56 RBI while boasting a 14-game hitting streak.
The 2021 AL MVP is also 6-2 on the mound with 105 strikeouts and a 3.29 ERA.
