LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani says he’s not focusing on hitting a historic 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases, a feat no one in Major League baseball has achieved in one season. To do so would put him in the best-ever conversation.
Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani can focus on winning and 50/50 at the same time.
“He cares. He wants to be the best player to ever have played this game and to do that he has to do something that no one has ever done.”
Ohtani, however, maintains that winning, not records, is what’s important as he nears the mark.
“I’m trying to be less cognizant of it and just focusing on having a good feel at the plate,” the Dodgers star said after helping his team to a 4-0 victory Sunday against the Cleveland Guardians.
“And during the game, it’s whether stealing bases or moving to the next base. That’s what I’m focusing on.”
The pressure to reach his lofty goal became a bit more intense as he notched his 46th home run in the fifth inning Sunday with a towering blast to right that narrowly stayed within the foul pole. Although Manager Dave Roberts said it was clearly in, the Guardians challenged the play, which was upheld as a home run.
“He’s just locked in. The 50/50, the chase is on,” Roberts said. “I just really hope he does it.”
Roberts admitted he’s rooting for the Japanese star to achieve the feat and is excited to have a front-row seat when it happens. Ohtani currently has 46 home runs and 46 stolen bases.
“I think he wants it a lot,” Roberts said. “And he’s doing it really well. He’s not chasing hits, expanding. He’s doing it the right way.
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“I want to see it as a fan, a Shohei fan, as a baseball fan. I want to see something that has never been done.
“It’s takes a special person, a special brain to manage the expectations he has on him. When he gets to playing, he’s just focusing on helping the team win. And also knowing that 50-75% of the people that have shown up to the ballpark are looking for him to play baseball. That’s a lot to take care of.”
