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The sports world reacts to Shohei Ohtani’s historic night when he founded the MLB’s 50-50 Club


The sports world reacts to Shohei Ohtani’s historic night when he founded the MLB’s 50-50 Club

There is only one member of the 50-50 club in MLB history after Shohei Ohtani’s historic night on Thursday. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar hit 6 for 6, had three home runs, two doubles, two steals, four runs and 10 RBIs in a 20-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.

The win also secured the Dodgers a playoff spot and marks the first time in his MLB career that Ohtani will play in the postseason.

“I’m equally excited about both experiences,” Ohtani told MLB Network after the game through an interpreter. “The biggest thing for me was finally being able to fulfill my dream of playing in a postseason game.”

As with any historic event in baseball, the Hall of Fame requested some of Ohtani’s gear, including his cleats with the image of his dog, Decoy.

The entire sports world has been following Ohtani’s otherworldly season and many people have once again been amazed by the Japanese star’s achievements.

Seattle Mariners pitcher Logan Gilbert: “Incredible season. No one has ever done that before, so I have a lot of respect for him. And yes, I’m glad he’s with the Dodgers and not an AL team.”

Yusei Kikuchi, Houston Astros: “When I finished warming up, I saw him hit his 50th home run,” Kikuchi said. “I was really excited and happy for him. All my teammates were watching too and were pretty excited too. I’m glad it was a Japanese player who did it.”

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: “THIS GUY IS UNREAL!!!! WOW!”

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: “Crazy!!!”

Billie Jean King, member of the Tennis Hall of Fame: “That’s 51/51 for Shohei Ohtani! Wow!”

Magic Johnson, member of the Basketball Hall of Fame: “On behalf of the Dodgers ownership group, I want to congratulate Shohei on becoming the first in MLB history to have a 50/50 season! Dodger fans, we have a chance to become part of MLB history!”

Former MLB slugger Jose Canseco became the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a season. Before the 1988 season, he had predicted that he would be the first member of the 40-40 club. He did just that, helping the Oakland A’s reach the World Series. Canseco was unanimously voted AL MVP that season.

Even Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid enjoyed the show on the eve of announcing his three-year, $192 million contract extension.

Al Michaels, who has covered many memorable baseball moments in his illustrious career as a sportscaster, took the time to acknowledge Ohtani’s performance during Thursday’s game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots.

Former MLB player Fred Lynn is one of 15 players to have recorded at least 10 RBIs in a game, doing so as a rookie with the Boston Red Sox against the Detroit Tigers in 1975.

The Tampa Rays received updates from Ohtani during their game against the Red Sox and had to see the story for themselves.

“We found out he hit 6 of 6 home runs. We were like, ‘What?’ And we all pulled it up on the iPad, the home runs he hit, and thought, this guy is unbelievable,” Rays shortstop Taylor Walls said. “Three home runs, (two) stolen bases, two doubles, 10 RBIs. Who does that? Nobody does that.”

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