BREAKING: Shohei Ohtani has just made history by hitting his 1,000th career hit, a powerful home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the Los Angeles Dodgers game on July 12, 2025. The moment unfolded during the bottom of the third inning, with Ohtani stepping up to the plate with 999 career hits to his name.
With the count at 1-1, Ohtani launched a 92 miles-per-hour sinker from Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy a stunning 440 feet into center field, giving the Dodgers a critical 2-1 lead in the game. This home run marks not only his 1,000th hit but also his 39th homer of the season and his 120th hit of 2025.
As he trotted around the bases, Ohtani took a moment to soak in the celebration, waving to fans and tipping his hat, showcasing the emotional weight of this milestone. He becomes the seventh player in MLB history to achieve 1,000 hits and 500 strikeouts as a pitcher, according to ESPN Research.
In addition to his offensive prowess, Ohtani also took the mound, striking out eight batters and allowing only two hits and one run over four innings pitched. This achievement marks his fifteenth career home run in games where he was the starting pitcher, placing him among elite company. Only three players in the last 25 seasons—Carlos Zambrano (24), Madison Bumgarner (19), and Mike Hampton (16)—have hit more home runs in such games.
The significance of Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities continues to captivate fans and analysts alike. As the baseball world watches this developing story, Ohtani’s incredible journey as both a hitter and a pitcher is sure to inspire future generations.
Stay tuned for more updates as Ohtani and the Dodgers aim to secure a win against the Cardinals in this thrilling matchup!
