Japan cheers as national hero Ohtani becomes the MLB's first 50-50 man

On Friday morning, Japan was filled with jubilant celebrations as national icon Shohei Ohtani (30) made Major League Baseball history by becoming the first player to achieve the remarkable feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season.

The term "Ohtani-san" dominated discussions on X in Japan, with chief government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi praising the Los Angeles Dodgers star for his "extraordinary accomplishment" in establishing baseball's 50-50 club through a remarkable performance that included six hits and three home runs in one game.

Hayashi expressed his sincere congratulations during a regular press conference, stating, "We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations on the achievement of this significant record. We eagerly anticipate witnessing more exceptional feats from Ohtani, who has already accomplished so much and continues to break new ground."

Entering the game on Thursday evening, Ohtani required one stolen base and two home runs to reach this milestone, a first in the 148-year history of Major League Baseball. He concluded the game with 51 in total during the 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.

As the first player in the majors to excel as both a batter and pitcher since Babe Ruth, Ohtani has become a symbol of national pride for Japan since his debut in the American League with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018, where he earned two Most Valuable Player awards.

Every facet of Ohtani's life has attracted significant media scrutiny, from his unexpected marriage announcement this year to a gambling controversy involving his former translator, as well as details about his pet dog.

Ohtani's popularity surged in Japan following his record-breaking $700 million contract with the Dodgers at the conclusion of last season, as he shifted his focus to batting after undergoing surgery on his pitching arm.

The Dodgers' blue jerseys have overtaken the Angels' red in sales across Tokyo, and each home run leading up to the 50 mark has been featured prominently on national news broadcasts.

Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages for Ohtani. US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel remarked on X, "Japan's record-making machine has done it again! A true global ambassador of the game." Takuya Tasso, the governor of Ohtani's home prefecture of Iwate, compared the slugger's historic night to the "Big Bang."