Shohei Ohtani on his way to a new career milestone, reaches what an MLB legend recorded 93 years ago

Shohei Ohtani is well on his way to securing his third MVP award of his illustrious career. In a stunning performance with the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Toronto Blue Jays, he is getting close to a remarkable career milestone, already reaching the accomplishments of an MLB legend.

Ohtani is among the elite talents in MLB, possessing the rare ability to excel in both pitching and hitting. His dual-skill prowess evokes comparisons to Babe Ruth, who similarly excelled with the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox during the formative years of MLB as we know it today.

On Saturday night, Ohtani added another chapter to his growing legend with a stellar performance at the plate. He propelled the Dodgers to a decisive 9-1 victory, highlighted by his impressive 40th home run of the season, showcasing the formidable talent of the Japanese phenom.

While Ohtani did not take the mound this time, his hitting accomplishments further solidify his remarkable career. He recorded his 110th run of the season in the National League, boasting an advantage of over 30 runs more than any other player in the league. This feat aligns him with the legendary Chuck Klein, who in 1932 finished the season with 37 more runs scored than any other player, setting a formidable benchmark.

Ohtani’s stats compared to Ruth’s

As the Japanese phenomenon continues to make waves in the MLB, his impressive stats have drawn comparisons to those of MLB legend Ruth. Ruth, a Yankees icon, etched his name in the annals of baseball history as one of the few players to excel in both hitting and pitching, a feat that set a benchmark for future generations.

In Ohtani’s first 674 career games, he has amassed 160 home runs, surpassing Ruth’s tally at a similar juncture in his career by one. Furthermore, when examining pitching records, Ohtani boasted a 35-19 record after 455.0 innings pitched, closely mirroring Ruth, who held a 35-18 record at the same career point. This parallel illustrates the rarity of Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities, echoing the legendary prowess of Ruth.

Ohtani’s home run record

This season, Ohtani has been electrifying with the Dodgers, demonstrating exceptional prowess both on the mound and at the plate. His standout performances have positioned him as a formidable contender for another Regular Season MVP award.

Remarkably, with his 40th home run of the season, Ohtani achieved a historic milestone. He became the first player to consistently hit 40 or more homers across three consecutive seasons, one with the Los Angeles Angels and the successive two with the Dodgers. This achievement underscores Ohtani’s extraordinary consistency and might in an era defined by specialized roles, further highlighting his status as a once-in-a-generation talent.