[스포츠조선 노재형 기자]Will there be another 50 home run or 50 stolen base hit in the major league in the future?
Although it is difficult to predict, the prevailing opinion is that there is a high possibility that it will remain forever ‘impregnable’, such as Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak and Ted Williams’ .400 batting average. That’s because 50-50 is something only Shohei Ohtani can do, and that’s because he underwent shoulder surgery and is resuming his two-hitting job.
This year, Ohtani surpassed 50 home runs for the first time in his career, hitting 54 home runs and winning the National League (NL) home run title. Last year, with the LA Angels, he ranked first in home runs in the American League (AL) with 44, so he won the league home run title for the second year in a row. Among all batters who hit more than 50 home runs, the players who stole the most bases in the same season were Willie Mays in 1965 and Alex Rodriguez in 2007, both with 24 stolen bases.
Ohtani stole 59 bases this year. Out of 63 attempts, only 4 failed, resulting in a success rate of 93.7%. In the stolen base rankings, he ranked second in both leagues combined, following the Cincinnati Reds’ Eli Delacruz (67). It ranks first in success rate in terms of 50 or more stolen bases in a season. Ohtani’s sprint ability is well known. According to Statcast, the average speed per second when sprinting is 28.1 feet, ranking 173rd out of 566 people surveyed, and the 90-foot sprint speed is 3.86 seconds, ranking 56th overall.
However, unfortunately, the shoulder injury that would have prevented Ohtani from stealing occurred while attempting to steal. In Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, while attempting to steal second base, his left hand hit the ground hard while sliding, and the impact was transmitted to his shoulder, dislocating it and rupturing his labrum. In the end, Otani underwent surgery for suturing of the labrum performed by Dr. Neil Elatrace in LA on the 6th.
At least next year, or even in the future, it is expected that it will be difficult to see Ohtani stealing bases aggressively.
Regarding this, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in an interview with Sportsnet LA on the 23rd, “Shoulder surgery will not affect Ohtani’s batting, but I think it will significantly hinder his ability to steal bases. Because he plans to be a pitcher. “He said.
A player who has undergone shoulder surgery is a pitcher, but he cannot boldly slide. Ohtani underwent right elbow surgery, his second Tommy John surgery, in September of last year, and focused on rehabilitation as a pitcher this year, aiming to open the 2025 season. However, because this surgery requires protecting the shoulder for at least two months, it is expected that pitching training will be discontinued and it will be difficult for him to stand on the mound early next season. Coach Roberts plans to exclude Ohtani from the opening rotation.
Coach Roberts said, “We are well aware that Ohtani needs to be on the mound in a strong and healthy condition through September and October. There will be many conversations with Ohtani, the training staff, and the medical staff (regarding his shoulder condition),” adding, He made it clear that he would take a cautious approach to running.
He then emphasized, “I don’t think Ohtani’s shoulder surgery will affect his pitching because it is on his left side. And he will be able to fully recover from his batting.”
Ohtani opened the historic 50-50 club by simultaneously hitting his 50th home run and 50th stolen base of the season in a game against the Miami Marlins held at Londipo Park in Miami, Florida on September 20. At the time, he was evaluated as showing his passion and will to set records by hitting 3 home runs and 2 stolen bases in the game.
Reporter Noh Jae-hyung jhno@sportschosun.com
* **How does the impact of specialization in modern baseball contribute to the perceived improbability of achieving a 50-50 season like Ohtani’s?**
## Open-Ended Discussion Questions on Ohtani’s 50-50 Feat and Future:
This article raises a lot of interesting questions about Shohei Ohtani’s future and the potential for others to follow his unique path. Let’s break down the discussion into thematic sections with open-ended questions:
**1. The 50-50 Milestone and its Improbable Nature:**
* The article suggests that Ohtani’s 50-50 feat might be “impregnable” for future players. Do you agree? Why or why not? What specific factors make this achievement so difficult to replicate?
* The article compares Ohtani’s accomplishment to historical feats like DiMaggio’s hitting streak and Williams’ batting average. How do these records differ in terms of difficulty and sustainability?
**2. Ohtani’s Unique Skillset and Athleticism:**
* Ohtani’s sprinting speed and success rate in stolen bases are highlighted. How does his athleticism contribute to his success as both a hitter and a base runner? Could other players with similar athletic abilities achieve a 50-50 season?
* How does Ohtani balance his roles as a pitcher and a hitter? What are the physical and mental demands of being a two-way player?
**3. The Impact of Ohtani’s Shoulder Injury:**
* The article discusses how Ohtani’s shoulder injury may impact his ability to steal bases in the future. To what extent do you think this injury will limit his game?
* Manager Roberts suggests that Ohtani’s pitching will not be significantly affected. Do you agree? How might this injury influence his approach to pitching and his role on the team?
**4. The Future of Ohtani and Two-Way Players:**
* The article implies that Ohtani’s 50-50 season might be a one-time occurrence. Do you think we will see more two-way players emerge in baseball? Why or why not?
* What changes, if any, should be made to the rules or training methods to encourage the development of more two-way talent?
**5. Ohtani’s Legacy:**
* Regardless of future achievements, how do you think Ohtani will be remembered in baseball history? What impact has he had on the game?
These open-ended questions encourage critical thinking, discussion, and diverse viewpoints on Shohei Ohtani’s remarkable talent and the impact of his unique abilities on baseball.
