Current:Home > MarketsJapan celebrates as Ohtani becomes the first major leaguer to reach 50-50 milestone -QuantumFunds
Japan celebrates as Ohtani becomes the first major leaguer to reach 50-50 milestone
View
Date:2025-04-28 01:00:46
TOKYO (AP) — Shohei Ohtani’s feat of becoming the first major leaguer with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season was met with extra editions of newspapers for fans to read on their way to work on Friday morning in Japan.
Ohtani raced past the 50-50 milestone as he hit three homes and stole two bases in a game during the 20-4 rout of the Miami Marlins on Thursday, securing a playoff berth for the Dodgers.
The news topped morning headlines, and “Ohtani-san” was the No. 1 trending topic of social media platform X.
There was also praise from the Japanese government.
“We would like to express our heartfelt congratulations on his achievement of this giant record,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said as he responded to the first question at his regular news conference Friday. “We look forward to seeing more successes from Ohtani, who has already achieve numerous feats and pioneered new grounds.”
Ohtani, who debuted in Major League Baseball in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, has become Japan’s national icon and pride.
Yu Tachibana, a 44-year-old office worker, was a lucky one to get a copy of the special newspaper edition for her 18-year-old son who plays baseball. She says nobody had thought a Japanese player would so well a decade ago. “It is very encouraging,” she said, as she noted a saying where there is a will, there is a way.
A wave of congratulatory messages were posted on social media.
“Japan’s record-making machine has done it again,” U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said in his message on X. “Congratulations to Shohei Ohtani on an incredible baseball achievement. A true global ambassador of the game.”
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
veryGood! (66558)
Related
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Russia and Ukraine exchange drone attacks after European Union funding stalled
- Mayim Bialik announces she's 'no longer' hosting 'Jeopardy!'
- Colts keep playoff hopes alive, down Steelers by scoring game's final 30 points
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- You Can Get These Kate Spade Bags for Less Than $59 for the Holidays
- Church of England blesses same-sex couples for the first time, but they still can’t wed in church
- A vibrant art scene in Uganda mirrors African boom as more collectors show interest
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- US Senate confirms Shreveport attorney as first Black judge in Louisiana’s Western District
Ranking
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus’ traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas
- Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Stars Have a Full Cast Reunion That Will Lift Your Spirits
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle release virtual Christmas card
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- Russia and Ukraine exchange drone attacks after European Union funding stalled
- Can a state count all its votes by hand? A North Dakota proposal aims to be the first to try
- UK parliamentarian admits lying about lucrative pandemic contracts but says she’s done nothing wrong
Recommendation
Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
Longleaf Pine Restoration—a Major Climate Effort in the South—Curbs Its Ambitions to Meet Harsh Realities
Susan Lucci honored, Barbara Walters remembered at 50th Daytime Emmy Awards: Watch
Michigan man almost threw away winning $2 million scratch-off ticket
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
'Heartbroken': Third beluga whale 'Kharabali' passes at Mystic Aquarium in 2 years
Jake Browning shines again for Bengals, rallying them to 27-24 overtime win over Vikings
Chargers coaching vacancy: Bill Belichick among five candidates to consider