BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani has just made history by hitting his 1,000th career hit with a spectacular home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during a game on July 15, 2025. In a thrilling moment for Los Angeles Dodgers fans, Ohtani, 31, launched a 440-foot drive to center field off Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy in the bottom of the third inning, putting the Dodgers ahead 2-1.
This remarkable achievement not only marks a significant milestone in Ohtani’s career but also adds to his impressive list of accolades. With this home run, he now has 39 homers and 120 hits in the 2025 MLB season. Ohtani took a moment to soak in the atmosphere as he rounded the bases, waving to fans before crossing home plate.
Ohtani’s achievement places him among an elite group: he is now the seventh player in MLB history to reach 1,000 hits while also recording 500 strikeouts as a pitcher, according to ESPN Research. This dual-threat capability continues to captivate baseball fans worldwide.
On the mound, Ohtani also showcased his pitching prowess, striking out eight batters, allowing just two hits, and giving up only one run in four innings of play. This performance adds to his reputation as one of the most formidable players in the league, particularly as it marks his fifteenth career home run in games where he also served as the starting pitcher.
In the last quarter-century, only three pitchers—Carlos Zambrano, Madison Bumgarner, and Mike Hampton—have hit more home runs in games when they started.
Ohtani’s record-breaking hit comes at a crucial time for the Dodgers as they strive for a strong season, making this moment not just a personal achievement but a pivotal point in their campaign. Fans and analysts alike are celebrating this milestone, and it’s clear this moment will be remembered in baseball history.
As the game progresses and Ohtani continues to leave his mark, all eyes will be on how he and the Dodgers perform in the coming matches. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Ohtani aims to build on this remarkable achievement.