Shohei Ohtani added another historic achievement to his remarkable career on Thursday, tying a home run record for the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise that dates back to the 1950s. In Thursday’s 3-1 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, Ohtani hit his 28th home run of the season within the first 82 games, equaling a rare feat not seen among Dodgers hitters for nearly 70 years.
Ohtani’s 28 home runs place him alongside Hall of Famers Gil Hodges and Duke Snider, who each launched 28 homers in their first 82 games of a season—Hodges in 1951 and Snider in 1955, both playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He also matches current MLB star Aaron Judge for the second-most home runs this season across the league. MLB analyst Sarah Langs highlighted this milestone on X, emphasizing Ohtani’s place in franchise history.
Ohtani’s Unique Blend of Power and Athleticism Sets Him Apart
Ohtani’s combination of pitching prowess, speed, and power hitting distinguishes him from other elite players. Unlike Gil Hodges, Duke Snider, and Gary Sheffield—another legendary power hitter who reached 27 home runs in the same span—Ohtani has surpassed 43 home runs in a single season three times, including a career-high 54 last year. This rare accomplishment underscores his extraordinary talent in an era where pitching has considerably advanced and ballparks have generally become more batter-friendly.
Currently batting .291 with an on-base plus slugging line of .392/.633, Ohtani’s offensive performance signals a likely continued rise. His ongoing dominance at the plate and on the mound positions him to contend for a third consecutive Most Valuable Player award and fourth overall, a milestone few players have achieved.
Support and Recognition from Dodgers Team and Analysts
Third base coach Dino Ebel was seen congratulating Ohtani after his solo home run in the seventh inning, reflecting the team’s acknowledgment of his historic contribution. Ron Chenoy-Imagn captured this moment at Coors Field, marking Ohtani’s impact not only statistically but as a key figure energizing the Dodgers lineup.
Implications of Ohtani’s Historic Home Run Chase
Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of home run records with the Dodgers highlights the merging of old baseball traditions with modern athletic excellence. Matching legendary figures like Hodges and Snider connects today’s game to its rich past, while his consistent power display fuels excitement within MLB and among fans. As the season progresses, Ohtani is not only chasing a rare milestone within Dodgers history but also solidifying his legacy as one of baseball’s most versatile and impactful players.