Lucky generation! 50-50 No More in ML History, 'Otani Deadly to Steal Shoulder Surgery' Roberts

Nov 25, 2024

LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani is expected to refrain from active base learning after next year. AFP Yonhap News

Otani is undergoing an inspection by a trainer after injuring his left shoulder while stealing second base in the seventh inning of Game 2 of the World Series on October 27 (Korea time). EPA Yonhap News

Will there be another 50 home runs and 50 steals in the Major League in the future.

Although it is difficult to predict, the prevailing opinion is that it is likely to remain an eternal 'impregnable', such as Joe DiMaggio's 56th consecutive hit and Ted Williams' .400 batting average. Because 50-50 is something only Shohei Ohtani can do, because he had shoulder surgery and resumed his pitching and hitting.

Ohtani became the home run king of the National League (NL) this year with 54 home runs over 50 home runs for the first time in his life. He topped the American League (AL) home run list with 44 last year with the Los Angeles Angels, which means he won the league home run title for the second consecutive year. Among the hitters with more than 50 home runs ever, the most stolen bases in the same season were Willie Mays in 1965 and Alex Rodriguez in 2007.

Ohtani has 59 steals this year. Only four attempts have failed 63 times, with a success rate of 93.7%. He ranked second in both leagues after Cincinnati Reds Eli Delacruz (67) in stolen bases. It is the number one success rate based on more than 50 steals in a season. Ohtani's sprint ability is well-known. According to Statcast, the average sprint is 28.1 feet per second, ranked 173rd out of 566 people surveyed, and the 90-foot frequency speed, which is the distance between Lugans, is 56th overall with 3.86 seconds.

L.A. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. ImagesYonhap News

Coincidentally, however, the shoulder injury that prevented Ohtani from stealing was caused by attempting to steal. When sliding while attempting to steal second base in Game 2 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, the left hand strongly touched the ground, and the impact was delivered to the shoulder, leading to dislocation and rupture of the wassoon. Eventually, Ohtani underwent a false suture surgery in LA on the 6th to Dr. Neil Elatrice's conduction.

At least next year, or in the future, Ohtani's aggressive steal is unlikely to be seen.

In response, LA Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said in an interview with SportsNetLA on the 23rd, `Shoulder surgery will not affect Ohtani's batting. But I think it will be a fatal hindrance to stealing. He said, "Because I'm going to pitch.'"

Otani has made 59 of 63 stolen bases this year. ImagesYonhap News

A player who has had shoulder surgery is even a pitcher, but he can't slide boldly. Ohtani received right elbow surgery in September last year, that is, his second Tommy John Surgery in his life, and he focused on rehabilitation as a pitcher this year and aimed for the opening game of the 2025 season. However, it is unlikely that he will be able to stop pitching training and stand on the mound early next season because he has to protect his shoulder for at least two months due to this surgery. Roberts plans to exclude Ohtani from the opening rotation for now.

Roberts said, `We are well aware that Ohtani will have to take the mound in strong and healthy condition until September and October. There will be a lot of conversations with Otani, training staff and medical staff (regarding his shoulder condition)," he said, clarifying his intention to take a cautious approach to Ohtani's base learning.

He then said "I don't think Otani's shoulder surgery will affect his pitching because he's left. And the hit will be perfectly recoverable.'

Ohtani hit his 50th home run and 50th stolen base of the season at the same time against the Miami Marlins at Rondipo Park in Miami on September 20, opening a historic 50-50 club. At that time, he was praised for showing his passion and willingness for the record by hitting three home runs and two steals in the game.

jhno@sportschosun.com