As the finale of the series approached against the Miami Marlins, the astonishing talent of Shohei Ohtani from the Los Angeles Dodgers had already set him apart as the most unique player to grace the MLB. And yet, once again, he astounded the masses with his performance.
Ohtani accomplished unparalleled feats in a 20-4 triumph on the road that secured a playoff spot, doing so in a magnificent manner. He powered three home runs, smacked two doubles, and amassed a remarkable 10 RBIs while also snatching two stolen bases in what was one of the most remarkable exhibitions an offensive player has ever put together in a single game. This extraordinary display further enhances the legacy of the 30-year-old star, as he becomes the pioneer to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
The undisputed National League MVP, who now holds the Dodgers’ all-time record for single-season home runs after surpassing Shawn Green, continues to build a legacy that grows more unique with each passing week. While the world of baseball watches in astonishment at the overwhelming statistics of this game in 2024, it’s a fitting moment to consider whether his dominant showing at LoanDepot Park ranks as the greatest individual performance ever witnessed.
At a time when critics and fans regularly bemoan the lack of offensive prowess in modern-day MLB, questioning this seems absurd. Nevertheless, Shohei Ohtani undeniably warrants consideration for the most outstanding performance ever. Let’s see if it deserves to occupy that position in the years to come.
Shohei Ohtani’s playoffs brilliance defies comparison
Context plays a crucial role in juxtaposing one awe-inspiring display at the stadium with another. While Ohtani achieved legendary status for his team and the MLB by helping the Dodgers (91-62) secure a playoff spot and tie the Philadelphia Phillies for the best record in baseball, his extraordinary efforts cannot be equated with the heroics of playoff baseball.
The pressure to excel in the electrifying atmosphere of the playoffs cannot be replicated in a game against the cellar-dwelling Marlins. The international phenomenon faced significant scrutiny en route to officially joining the 50-50 club, but it feels unfair to elevate his milestone-filled performance above that of New York Yankees’ power-hitter Reggie Jackson’s three-homer “Mr. October” spectacle in the 1977 World Series against LA.
But can he make a claim for the regular season crown? Answering this question is complex given that many of the other top-game contenders, as per MLB.com, may have lacked stakes but had a more direct impact on the scoreboard.
Contrasting Ohtani’s exceptional display in Miami with other iconic exhibitions
Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt went 5-for-6 with four home runs and eight RBIs to propel the Phillies to an astonishing 10-inning victory over the Chicago Cubs at their home turf on April 17, 1976. The Phillies were facing a considerable deficit early on, making Schmidt’s brilliance indispensable in that particular game. Technically, the same level of urgency cannot be attributed to Ohtani’s stellar performance.
Former Oakland Athletics’ power-hitter and hopeful mechanic Khris Davis also delivered crucial home runs in a comeback triumph, capping off a three-homer, six-RBI night with a walk-off grand slam against the Texas Rangers in May 2016. Former AL MVP Josh Hamilton hit four home runs and achieved a perfect 5-for-5 performance in a game a few years earlier.
World Series Champion Anthony Rendon mirrored Ohtani’s achievements when he went 6-for-6 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in late April 2017. In that same year, future Cincinnati Reds All-Star Scooter Gennett put up astounding numbers of his own (5-for-5, four home runs, and 10 RBIs in a June blowout win). Long-serving outfielder Shawn Green, whom Dodger Shohei Ohtani surpassed on Thursday, also hammered the ball out of the ballpark four times and amassed an astonishing 19 total bases.
There are numerous outstanding games that the majority of aficionados may not recollect. Most notably, iconic Yankees player Lou Gehrig homered in four consecutive at-bats against the Philadelphia Athletics on June 3, 1932. While all these accomplishments were during the first half of the season, Ohtani excelled in a mid-September clash that could hold significance in the battle for home-field advantage between LA and Philly. Considering the added dimension of base-running, it is justifiable to rank Shotime’s performance above the aforementioned ones.
A promising Red Sox newcomer might surpass Shohei Ohtani
In a road game on June 18, 1975, against the Detroit Tigers, 23-year-old center fielder Fred Lynn of the Boston Red Sox went 5-for-6 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in a resounding 15-1 victory. Despite this being another first-half feat, Lynn’s performance deserves special recognition as he was just a rookie (ultimately winning the MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Gold Glove that year). Furthermore, his third home run came against a pitcher. Ohtani crushed a 440-foot, three-run blast in the ninth inning against Marlins’ infielder Vidal Brujan.
One could argue that Lynn had an advantage playing at the hitter-friendly Tiger Stadium, but his defensive skills and youthful exuberance place him in the class of extraordinary single-game displays. Of course, Ohtani also merits special acknowledgment.
Apart from his pitching, which he is still unable to do, Ohtani showcased his full array of talents in Miami. If not for being thrown out at third, he would have completed the cycle. Shohei Ohtani is making a definitive statement in an exceptionally remarkable season. He will aim to add more to his exploits as the playoff-bound Dodgers chase a World Series crown in the upcoming weeks.
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