Sports
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani becomes first in MLB history with 50 home runs, 50 steals in single season
Shohei Ohtani’s first season in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform is a memorable one as he made MLB history by becoming the first player to ever hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.
Ohtani entered Thursday against the Miami Marlins with 10 games to reach the never-before-touched milestone, but he decided to get it all out of the way as he stole his 50th and 51st bases.
Then Ohtani hit his 49th and 50th home runs in the same game, breaking Shawn Green’s 2001 season record for the most in a single season by a Dodger in the process.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
And Ohtani’s outstanding day at the dish wasn’t over, as he hit yet another home run in this game to make it 51 on the season in the top of the ninth inning during the Dodgers’ 20-4 onslaught of the Marlins.
Ohtani finished his day a perfect 6-for-6 at the dish with 10 RBI, five extra-base hits and four runs scored. That’s unprecedented production for the man who now appears destined to win the National League MVP this year.
Ohtani came into this game needing just one stolen base to reach the half-century mark, and he didn’t wait time when he got on base in the top of the first inning. As he was standing on second base, he got a good jump to third, but it appeared the throw beat him.
WHY THE DODGERS SHOULDN’T PITCH SHOHEI OHTANI IN THE PLAYOFFS, PER JOHN SMOLTZ
However, the tag wasn’t down, and he signaled he was safe to the umpire, who made the call as such.
Now, Ohtani just needed two more home runs to reach 50 to enter the 50-50 club alone in MLB history. But first, he decided to swipe his 51st bag of the season in the second inning after reaching base on an RBI single. He made it to second base without a throw.
Then, Ohtani flexed his muscle instead of his speed in his fourth at-bat of the game after already going 3-for-3 with two doubles and 3 RBI.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) looks on after stealing second base against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at loanDepot Park. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
With a runner on second, Ohtani turned on an 85 mph slider to right field, and he knew he got all of it as he watched it fly out of loanDepot Park to make it 9-3 Dodgers.
Then, history came in the top of the seventh inning when Ohtani, facing a 1-2 count, delivered a perfect inside-out swing on a pitch down and away and he put it into the left field seats for his 50th dinger of the 2024 campaign.
Ohtani gave a loud scream as he reach first base, and despite it being an away game, the crowd knew it was witnessing history as they roared with Ohtani rounding the bases.
Ohtani received a curtain call from the Dodgers’ dugout, and he obliged as he saluted fans while his teammates and coaches were clapping for reaching a milestone never thought possible.
And just to add to the “greatest day in baseball history,” as announcer Joe Davis said it perfectly on the Dodgers’ broadcast, Ohtani hit a three-run bomb in the top of the ninth inning off position player Vidal Bruján that reached the highest deck in right field.
Ohtani’s day might have even gotten better if he was able to leg out a triple in an earlier at-bat, but he was thrown out at third base trying. If he would’ve gotten in safely, he would’ve hit for the cycle to go along with his league history.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at loanDepot Park. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
Ohtani may not be pitching for the Dodgers this season, but his inaugural season has been one for the record books.
And to put the cherry on top for the day, the Dodgers clinched a playoff spot with the win, marking the first time Ohtani will get to play postseason baseball in his career.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Sports
Wave of WWE superstars depart company after WrestleMania 42
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
If the Super Bowl marks the end of the NFL season, WrestleMania is when WWE’s year is over.
There is no offseason in WWE, and when waves of departures hit the company, it hits harder than a Gunther knife-edge chop.
Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Nikki Cross appear during SmackDown at First Horizon Center in Savannah, Ga., on May 23, 2025. (Rich Freeda/WWE)
Fightful and BodySlam both reported several superstars who left WWE on Friday ahead of “Friday Night SmackDown.” Some wrestlers confirmed their departures on social media.
Those who left included: Alba Fyre, Aleister Black, Alex Shelley, Andre Chase, Apollo Crews, Bo Dallas, Chris Island, Chris Sabin, Dante Chen, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Kairi Sane, Luca Crusifino, Malik Blade, Nikki Cross, Santos Escobar, Sirena Linton, Trill London, Tyra Mae Steele, Tyriek Igwe, Tyson Dupont, Zelina Vegas and Zoey Stark.
The WWE roster is loaded as it is with several NXT stars getting called up this week.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Sol Ruca made her presence felt on Raw on Monday when she challenged women’s champion Liv Morgan. The Fatal Influence faction of Jacy Jayne, Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley took aim at the women’s tag team division on SmackDown on Friday. Ricky Saints and Blake Monroe also had vignettes for their upcoming appearances.
Meanwhile, former NXT champion Oba Femi has been on main WWE programming for the last few weeks and beat Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42.
Kairi Sane enters the ring during Monday Night RAW at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on April 13, 2026. (Rich Freeda/WWE)
Aleister Black and Zelina Vega make their way to the ring during SmackDown at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 3, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
It’s not the end of the road for any of the recent departures. Several former WWE stars have made waves elsewhere. Some have even returned over the course of time.
Sports
Prep talk: Aidan Martinez is back from Tommy John surgery and throwing heat
Pitching coach Gus Rico was having dinner on Thursday when head coach Matt Mowry of Birmingham High complimented him on closer Aidan Martinez recording all seven of his outs on strikeouts.
“I had no idea,” Rico said. “Everything is a blur when I’m calling pitches.”
Martinez is throwing some blurs these days after returning this season following Tommy John surgery in June 2024. He touched 92 mph with his fastball and has been improving each week, getting better command and walking fewer batters. He has 28 strikeouts in 15 innings and three saves.
Birmingham is one game behind El Camino Real in the West Valley League standings going into showdown week, playing El Camino Real on Wednesday at on the road and Friday at home. The Patriots need a sweep to have a chance at their first league title under Mowry, who prefers winning City titles.
With Martinez throwing so well, it would be a good strategy for opposing teams to make sure they are leading going into the last two innings.
“He’s got a bright future,” Rico said.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
Sports
Morez Johnson Jr declares for NBA draft, maintains college eligibility
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Earlier this month, Michigan defeated UConn in the NCAA men’s basketball national championship game.
Shortly after the Wolverines captured the program’s first title since 1989, Michigan forward Morez Johnson Jr. announced he would enter the NBA Draft.
Despite declaring for the NBA Draft, Johnson has maintained his NCAA eligibility throughout the process. However, he has until May 27 to withdraw if he plans to return for his junior season.
Johnson played for Illinois during the 2024-25 season before transferring to Michigan last offseason.
Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. walks on the court against UConn at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis April 6, 2026. (Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated)
After joining Michigan, Johnson quickly emerged as a key contributor, averaging the second-most points on the team. He also led the Wolverines in rebounding, averaging 7.3 per game.
Michigan head coach Dusty May eventually dubbed Johnson “The Enforcer” and “Junkyard Dog,” a nod to his tenacity on the defensive end. Johnson was named to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive Team.
RANKING THE TOP 20 PLAYERS IN THE MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL TRANSFER PORTAL
But Johnson’s offensive prowess didn’t take a back seat to his defensive strengths. His shooting from beyond the 3-point line showed improvement as the season progressed.
Morez Johnson Jr. of the Michigan Wolverines cuts down the net after defeating the UConn Huskies 69-63 in the 2026 NCAA national championship game in Indianapolis April 6, 2026. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Many early NBA projections gave Johnson a first-round grade. It’s unclear how much name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation he would command if he returns to Michigan or transfers elsewhere.
Johnson has been active on social media, interacting with teammates as they consider returning to Michigan for another championship push.
Morez Johnson Jr. of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates after scoring in the second half against the UConn Huskies during the 2026 NCAA national championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis April 6, 2026. (Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Michigan added a key piece this week, with Jalen Reed transferring from LSU, On3 reported. Reed was limited during the 2025-26 season by an Achilles injury.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
-
Tennessee5 minutes agoTennessee CB Jermod McCoy’s draft slide ends, as Raiders pick him to begin 4th round
-
Texas11 minutes agoRap music on trial: Upcoming Texas execution stirs national debate
-
Utah17 minutes agoBLOG: Here’s the latest from the Utah GOP and Utah Democratic party conventions
-
Vermont23 minutes ago9 Great Road Trips to Take in Vermont
-
Virginia29 minutes agoSouthwest, Central Virginia Weather | 7:45 a.m. – April 25, 2026
-
Washington35 minutes agoWashington Nationals recall Andrés Chaparro
-
Wisconsin41 minutes agoColumbia County’s The Dump Bar & Grill wins Wisconsin’s best burger award
-
West Virginia47 minutes agoShooting leads to arrests in Parkersburg – WV MetroNews