Shohei Ohtani makes MLB history with unprecedented 50-50 season

In April 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers visited the White House to celebrate their victory in the 2024 World Series. During this event, President Donald Trump praised Shohei Ohtani, a remarkable player from Japan who made history by becoming the first MLB player to achieve the incredible milestone of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. Ohtani's record-setting 2024 regular season included an impressive tally of 54 home runs, 59 stolen bases, and a batting average of .390. This significant achievement contributed to Ohtani being awarded the National League MVP for his outstanding performance. The Dodgers had recently acquired Ohtani, who signed a monumental 10-year, $700 million contract with the team prior to the season. His strong performance also included a standout game where he went 6-for-6, hitting three home runs and driving in 10 runs—an event that some called "the greatest game ever." Ohtani's contributions helped the Dodgers clinch the National League West division title, and although he performed well in the postseason, his hitting slowed during the World Series, where the Dodgers nonetheless triumphed over the New York Yankees to secure their second title since 2020. At the White House event, Ohtani received a warm welcome from Trump, who expressed admiration for Ohtani's talent. The president appeared awed by Ohtani's abilities, stating, "He looks like a movie star" and mentioning his potential for a bright future in baseball. During the ceremony, Ohtani also posed for photographs in the Oval Office alongside the Declaration of Independence. The visit celebrated not only the Dodgers' accomplishments but also highlighted Ohtani's place as a rising star in the sport, as he continued to excel in the early stages of the 2025 season.