Video: Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Sets MLB Record for Most HRs By Japanese-Born Player | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Jessica Wood Shohei Ohtani now holds the record for most home runs by a Japanese-born MLB player.
The Los Angeles Dodgers star hit a home run 423 feet to right-center on Sunday against the New York Mets, giving him 176 career homers. The blast gave Los Angeles a two-run lead over the Mets.
Los Angeles Dodgers @DodgersShohei's record-breaking 176th homer was a sight to see. <a href="">
Los Angeles Dodgers @DodgersHISTORY.<br><br>Congratulations Shohei on hitting more home runs than any other Japanese-born MLB player! <a href="">
MLB @MLBThis was a history-maker for Shohei Ohtani! 💪 <a href="">
Ohtani broke the previous record of 175, which was held by Hideki Matsui, who retired in 2012. Ohtani's mark comes after just seven seasons in the majors, whereas Matsui reached 175 over a 10-year career.
With many years likely still ahead of him, the two-way star is likely going to hold the record by a comfortable margin when it's all said and done.
Through 23 games, Ohtani has five homers in 92 at-bats. He's also notched 33 hits, 11 RBI and a .359 batting average, which is the best mark in the league. Last season, Ohtani hit 44 home runs, marking his third consecutive season with 30 or more. He'll look to achieve similar numbers this year playing for a new team.
Los Angeles is coming off a 100-62 season that saw it lose in the Divisional Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks. The loss marked back-to-back years in which the Dodgers achieved 100 or more wins but faced a Divisional Series exit.
With a revamped roster that includes Ohtani, Los Angeles is looking to get over the hump and return to the World Series.
