Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Shohei Ohtani broke another MLB record Sunday afternoon, one that was previously held by former New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui.
With a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning Sunday, Ohtani’s blast into the right field seats broke Matsui’s record for the most Major League home runs ever by a Japanese-born player.
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Matsui recorded 175 home runs during his 10-year MLB career. 140 of those came with the Yankees during his seven seasons in the Bronx.
Shohei Ohtani stands alone with the most Major League home runs ever by a Japanese-born player! pic.twitter.com/sSzlp2K3Wt
— MLB (@MLB) April 21, 2024
This is far from a surprise considering Ohtani’s abilities as a generational player. Meanwhile, Matsui was an underrated part of the Yankees lineup for much of his time wearing the pinstripes.
This was especially true when he earned the World Series MVP Award in 2009, the last time the Yankees found themselves on the mountaintop.
Ohtani will have several more records in his sights, but this one might mean a bit more than others considering the players who helped pave the way for him.
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