Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani made some history on Saturday, becoming the third Japanese-born player to hit 100 home runs with his dinger in the nightcap of a doubleheader. Ohtani also joined Babe Ruth in the record books as the only players with at least 100 home runs as a hitter and 250 strikeouts as a pitcher.

After the 9-1 victory, Ohtani expressed pride in his accomplishments, but he also doesn't want to get too big for his britches early in the season. The Angels are off to a great start at 23-13, but there's a long way to go.

Via Josh Dubow of The Associated Press:

“One hundred is a big number,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “I’m proud of it. But it’s early in the season.”

Article Continues Below
Related News
Los Angeles Angels shortstop Tim Anderson (77) forced out at second base against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at Angel Stadium.
Angels make big Tim Anderson roster decision amid strugglesScotty White ·
Los Angeles Angels right fielder Mike Trout (27) runs the bases prior to the game against the New York Yankees at Angel Stadium.
Mike Trout injury update surfaces as Angels battle YankeesTroy Finnegan ·
Los Angeles Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe (14) is greeted by his teammates after scoring a run in the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Angels’ Ron Washington gives key Logan O’Hoppe injury updateJosh Davis ·
angels, taylor ward
1 player Los Angeles Angels must trade before 2025 deadlineGarrett Kerman ·
Los Angeles Angels center fielder Chris Taylor (33) is greeted by first base coach Eric Young Sr. (85) in the outfield prior to the game against the New York Yankees.
Chris Taylor reveals why he joined Angels after getting cut by DodgersJosh Davis ·
Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Chris Taylor (3) scores a run in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at Dodger Stadium.
Angels sign 2-time Dodgers World Series ChampionBenedetto Vitale ·

*Watch MLB games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Barring disaster, Ohtani will wind up on top of the list for home runs hit by Japanese-born players. Hideki Matsui is No. 1 on that list right now with 175 home runs. No. 2 is Ichiro Suzuki with 117. Ohtani should pass Ichiro this season as long as he stays healthy. The Angels star already has seven home runs after hitting 46 in 2021.

As for Babe Ruth, he of course hit 714 home runs in his career while striking out 488 batters as a pitcher. Ohtani won't come close to 714 home runs, but he already has 268 strikeouts as a pitcher. That includes 46 in 32 1/3 innings this season, so he should smash past Ruth's strikeout mark at some point in the future.

As Ohtani dominates at the plate and on the mound, the Angels are hoping to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2014, when they were swept by the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS. Los Angeles hasn't won a playoff game since 2009.