In a world where basketball, football, and tennis stars figure in the "best athlete on earth" debate, Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani made a case by being in a league of his own--an exclusive 50/50 one.
Who is the best athlete right now?
We can bet that there is no undisputed number one on that list, for it would surely cause a barrage of protests. (Just ask ESPN, after making their Top 25 athletes of the 21st century).
Basketball fans would probably put Paris 2024 MVP LeBron James on that list. Football fans are likely to debate between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, or maybe Kylian Mbappe. Or Vinicius Jr.? Or Rodri?
With the heyday of the Roger Federer-Rafael Nadal rivalry long gone, tennis fans are left to debate between Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Novak Djokovic.
Or with the Olympics just finished, don't forget the likes of gymnast Simone Biles.
It's just too broad, too many variables, too many to quantify. Where do you even cross the line?
On Friday, September 20 (Philippine time), Shohei Ohtani made a case for himself.
First 50-50
The Los Angeles Dodgers star became the first-ever MLB player to tally at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
Watch the moment right here.
There's been quite a number of players who have managed to hit 50 home runs in a season--but no one managed to steal more than 30 bases in that same period. MLB helpfully created this infographic to emphasize the point.
Over 30 years in the making
It was in 1988 when Jose Canseco of Oakland became the first MLB player to hit 40/40 in a season. Ohtani reached that milestone last month.
"35 years ago I created the 40/40 club. Shohei Ohtani created the 50/50 club tonight. Congratulations to him," Canseco posted on X.
51/51
And the most incredible thing? The Japanese star wasn't done that night.
In the same game, Ohtani broke his own record to reach 51 home runs and 51 bases.
Three homers, two steals
10 runs batted in (RBI).
Six of six hits.
Five extra-base hits (XBH).
Three home runs.
Two stolen bases.
In that 20-4 beatdown of the Miami Marlins, Ohtani is the first big league player to hit three home runs and steal two bases.
Oh, and he booked a playoff spot for the Dodgers.
Greatness recognizing greatness
Even King James had to pay his respects.
"THIS GUY IS UNREAL!!!! WOWZERS 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾" Los Angeles Lakers superstar Lebron James tweeted.
"Yup Ohtani is the GOAT," added Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid.
Eyes on the prize
And in the midst of all the celebration, the Japanese star's feet remained on the ground.
"The biggest thing for me was being able to finally achieve the dream of playing in the postseason," he told the MLB Network in Japanese. "The 50/50 mark was kind of a clean slate in terms of chasing for a record. But the most important thing for us right now, we are leading the division. Just winning the division is the most important thing for me right now."
Apparently, the key to historic home runs? It's quite simple.
"I personally believe [that] for me, the best way of hitting a homer is to justhave quality at bats. I try not to aim to get a homer," he said, prompting laughs from the panel.
There are many athletes who could be considered the best right now. But at least for this one night, Shohei Ohtani was HIM.