Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani sets HR record for Japan-born players

Field Level Media|published: Sun 21st April, 17:23 2024

Apr 21, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) his a one run home run against the New York Mets during the third inning at Dodger Stadium. credits: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani set the major league home run record for players born in Japan when he went deep in the third inning on Sunday against the visiting New York Mets.

Ohtani's fifth home run of the season, well into the seats beyond right field, was the 176th of his career to break a tie with countryman Hideki Matsui.

The blast off Mets starter Adrian Houser came in Ohtani's 725th game over seven major league seasons, the first six of which were with the Los Angeles Angels. Matsui hit his 175 home runs over 1,236 games and 10 seasons, the first seven of which were with the New York Yankees.

Before signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers this past offseason, Ohtani was named American League MVP two times (2021, 2023). The two-way star is not expected to pitch this season after undergoing elbow surgery last year.

—Field Level Media