Shohei Ohtani's Historic 50/50 Season: A Play-by-Play Announcer's Perspective

Joe Davis, the primary play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, witnessed Shohei Ohtani's unprecedented 6-for-6 performance with three homers, two doubles, two stolen bases, and 10 RBIs, making him the first MLB player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.

With a captivated audience, Joe Davis, the lead play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had a front-row seat to what some consider the most remarkable offensive display in baseball history. On Thursday, Shohei Ohtani, the dazzling Los Angeles Dodgers superstar, etched his name into the annals of baseball by becoming the first MLB player to reach the extraordinary milestone of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.

Davis, with his packed schedule, initially feared he might miss this historic event. Ohtani entered Thursday's game with 48 homers and 49 swipes. Davis confessed, "Selfishly, I was like, 'he has to do it today.'" With plans to leave for NFL coverage after the game, Davis's only hope rested on Ohtani staying at 48 homers, allowing him to witness the feat upon his return next Tuesday.

Shohei Ohtani's Historic 50/50 Season: A Play-by-Play Announcer's Perspective

However, when Ohtani swiftly stole a base in the opening inning, Davis realized it was now or never. What followed was a performance that Davis hailed as "perhaps the greatest individual day in baseball history." Ohtani's remarkable 6-for-6 outing included three homers, two doubles, two stolen bases, and an astounding 10 RBIs.

Davis exclaimed, "Just unreal. As fun of a day as I've had in my career." He further emphasized, "That's the thing, we talked about this on the broadcast. He could've had this day in mid-May, and it still would've been one you could argue is the greatest individual day in baseball history. But he did it to get 50/50, and to punch his first ticket to the postseason — all rolled in one day."

Shohei Ohtani's Historic 50/50 Season: A Play-by-Play Announcer's Perspective

Ohtani's feats continue to defy all expectations, leaving Davis in awe. He remarked, "He continues to do things that if you were to pitch this as a Hollywood script, it'd get turned away because it's unbelievable. 'This stuff doesn't happen. Nobody's gonna believe that. It's a stupid script; too unbelievable.' And he does this frequently, which is like, there's no chance something like this happens. He continues to defy the odds in every way."

Despite a rocky start to the 2024 season due to a gambling scandal involving his former interpreter, Ohtani has overcome adversity and is now poised to make his postseason debut in approximately two weeks. As a pitcher recovering from elbow surgery, Ohtani's versatility on the field this year has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Shohei Ohtani's Historic 50/50 Season: A Play-by-Play Announcer's Perspective

Ohtani's dominance has solidified him as the overwhelming favorite to claim his third MVP Award (having previously earned the honor in 2021 and 2023 while in the American League). His $700 million contract undoubtedly proves to be a wise investment.

Joe Davis's eyewitness account of Shohei Ohtani's historic performance serves as a testament to the exceptional talent and unparalleled determination that has made this season an unforgettable one for baseball fans worldwide.