Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) runs the bases after a solo home run in the seventh inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on June 26. Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani Joins Superstar Hall of Famer Willie Mays in Awesome Baseball History

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 8:32 AM ET

Reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani went 1-for-3 with a home run and a walk on Thursday as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Colorado Rockies 3-1 at Coors Field.

With the home run, Ohtani did something not seen in history since the legendary Willie Mays.

Per @OptaSTATS on social media:

The @Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani has 28 home runs and six triples through his first 80 games this season.

The last MLB player to reach those marks through 80 games of a campaign was Willie Mays in 1954.

The @Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani has 28 home runs and six triples through his first 80 games this season.

The last MLB player to reach those marks through 80 games of a campaign was Willie Mays in 1954. pic.twitter.com/qjUONppTUd
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) June 27, 2025

The 30-year-old superstar is hitting .291 with 28 homers and 52 RBIs, while also stealing 11 bases. He's a major reason why the Dodgers lead the National League West (51-31) and is a major reason why the organization will be in position to capture its second consecutive World Series title this year.

He also just learned that he was the top vote-getter for the National League All-Star team, and he will start the Midsummer Classic at designated hitter.

In addition to his performance on Thursday, the Dodgers got a six-inning gem from Clayton Kershaw, who is now 4-0 with a 3.03 ERA. He's just three strikeouts away from the 3,000 strikeout-club.

The Dodgers will be back in action on Friday night when they visit the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City has been reeling and enters play at 38-43.

The Dodgers will send right-hander Dustin May to the mound against left-hander Noah Cameron. May is 4-5 with a 4.46 ERA. Cameron is 2-3 with a 2.08.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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