Shohei Ohtani has etched his name into Major League Baseball (MLB) history once again. On Sunday, the Los Angeles Angels’ two-way sensation hit his 176th career home run, surpassing Hideki Matsui to become the Japanese-born player with the most home runs in MLB history.
Ohtani achieved this milestone during the third inning of the Angels’ game against the New York Mets at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. The two-run homer not only put the Angels ahead but also cemented Ohtani’s status as one of the game’s premier power hitters.
Hideki Matsui, who played in MLB from 2003 to 2012, previously held the record with 175 home runs over his illustrious career. Matsui was a two-time All-Star and the 2009 World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) with the New York Yankees.
In just his seventh MLB season, Ohtani has already accumulated numerous accolades, including the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player award in 2021. Known for his prowess both at the plate and on the mound, Ohtani continues to captivate baseball fans around the world with his extraordinary talents.
Despite his individual successes, Ohtani has yet to appear in the postseason. His focus remains on helping the Angels reach the playoffs and contend for a championship.
“Honestly, I was just relieved I was able to get it over with,” Ohtani said after the Angels’ 10-0 win. “I have a lot of respect for Matsui-san, and to surpass him is a great honor.”
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Shohei Ohtani sets new MLB home run record by Japanese-born player
cgtn.com
