Terry Ito Column Vol.31 Reflecting on Ohtani's "50 Home Runs & 50 Stolen Bases"

Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani (30) became the first Japanese player to hit a walk-off grand slam against the Rays on August 23, 2024, becoming the fastest player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases. After the game, during his hero interview amidst a chorus of MVP chants, Ohtani reveled in the special moment, saying, "I'm glad I got to hit it at the end. I think it's my best memory since joining the Dodgers." Gazing at the fans standing in the stands, he said, "I hit it at the end today, but it takes work to create opportunities like that. I'm confident that I was able to hit it today thanks to those people, and I want to do my part well." He's incredibly humble. He left the stadium 20 minutes after the game, not basking in the afterglow. Ohtani is already looking toward tomorrow.

This season, Ohtani's number of stolen bases has increased significantly. His previous record was 26 in 2021. How much more can he achieve this season? Ohtani, on the bases, is like a leopard stalking his prey, eyeing the next base at every opportunity. He never lets his guard down for even a moment during the game. This is truly amazing. In Japanese professional baseball, home run hitters have a specific role to play, and the running tends to be left to specialist baserunners. Off-season training is also focused on building a physique for hitting home runs. Teams and managers don't want their home run hitters to get injured, so they don't issue instructions to steal bases. Isn't this the same in high school and college baseball? Especially when you're the ace and fourth batter. I used to think that was common knowledge in baseball, but Ohtani has overturned it.

When it comes to the ultimate debate about who is the most legendary active Major League Baseball player, two names always come up. First up is Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. He's a history-making superstar who's aiming for his second 60 home runs this season. Judge's home run-hitting ability, defensive prowess as an outfielder, and his ability to throw the ball with the precision of an arrow to pin runners on base are unparalleled in the history of Major League Baseball. The other player, of course, is Ohtani. While he hasn't pitched this season due to rehabilitation, his track record is impressive. The only player who has ever been a master of both pitching and batting is the legendary Babe Ruth, the first player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ohtani's advantage lies in his baserunning. Hitting, pitching, and running—Ohtani has proven just how incredible these skills are as a baseball player. "Who is the greatest player?" is a hot topic among Major League Baseball fans. However, the conclusion of the debate may not yet be in sight. Let's put the fun aside for now and cheer on Ohtani as he achieves his 50&50 goal!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry