When Shohei Ohtani signed the whopping $700 contract, it left many people feeling many things. From being flabbergasted and shocked and being upset with the Los Angeles Dodgers for putting such a sizeable amount on just one player. But well, the Japanese star proved why he was well worth the amount and maybe even more with his gameplay this year. Even with a battered, injured elbow ligament, Ohtani shocked everyone with his game- he is rewriting the history of the sport.

Shohei Ohtani first reached the 40-40 club, an exclusive to ones like Jose Conseco, Barry Bonds, and more such legends of the sport. Plus, he did it in record time. But what Shotime did at the game with the Miami Marlins will go down as history. He made it to a 50-50 in a way that challenged everything we thought we knew about hitters’ capabilities in baseball. Eisen didn’t hold back, declaring that Ohtani’s performance was “the greatest day by a hitter ever in the history of baseball.”

OMG Ohtani! A historic night for baseball hitters

Shohei Ohtani—has everyone wondering—how far can a hitter actually go? He shattered all expectations with his performance on Thursday. The Dodgers star became the first player in the history of Major League Baseball to reach the 50-50 club in a single season. He faced the Miami Marlins, and though everyone thought that the team would give a walk to Ohtani, they didn’t. The reason? Respect that Ohtani earned in the eyes of the Marlins manager. The Dodgers icon used that opportunity to go 6-for-6 at the plate, smashing three home runs, driving in 10 RBIs, and stealing two bases. And then, he sealed the game with a 51-51.

Rich Eisen couldn’t hold his excitement over the entire ordeal. According to him, they were only just discussing when Ohtani will probably smack his 50th and bang—the very evening he does it! Eisen said in his broadcast, “It’s the greatest day by a hitter ever in the history of baseball. That is not an exaggeration. There’s no other way to describe it than that. It’s wild. We’re out of descriptions and words to describe this dude.” And he isn’t wrong.

Ever since RBIs became official stats in 1920, baseball fans have witnessed several milestones. Sometimes players have sacked up 10 RBIs in a single game; they have hit six or more times and maybe even done three homers. We even celebrated the times when one player stole two bases or more in a game. But here is the real deal—no one has pulled off everything in their entire career. Then comes Shohei Ohtani; he just does it all in not a season, but in one game, with some even calling him the modern Babe Ruth of today.

Shohei Ohtani’s custom cleats are on the way to the Hall of Fame!

Shohei Ohtani’s massive win against the Marlins was clouded by one fact—the milestone ball went missing. Well, fans sure do seem to enjoy keeping the balls nowadays—just a few days back, a man found a ball in the cove and denied giving it back. Here too, the case was no different; the fan had disappeared without a trace from the stadium. It’s definitely a gut punch to the team and Ohtani because it was an important ball. But well, at least they have his cleats, and what’s better—the ones he was wearing that day were no ordinary ones.

The Japanese star was wearing a custom-designed coat. The unique New Balance kicks featured his dog, Decoy. This unique touch shows the special bond they share, a connection that Ohtani has openly celebrated. Whether it was people speculating, Ohtani named his dog Decoy during his free agency as a hint at him going to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Or the fact that Decoy actually performed the ceremonial pitch with his dad. To thousands of fans, lining up to get the special merchandise featuring the duo outside the Dodger Stadium.

These custom-designed cleats are special, and the momentous game just made it even better. Now it’s on its way to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. So yes, while the home run ball may be lost, at least Ohtani’s chops will serve as a lasting tribute. It will remind everyone of his achievement and this historic day in baseball. Right now, the team, the baseball fans, and Ohtani himself might be over the moon. Such a game, such talent hasn’t been seen for a long time in the game.