Shohei Ohtani Breaks Hideki Matsui's MLB Record For Most HRs By A Japanese Player

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani made MLB and Japanese history during Los Angeles' 10-0 win over the New York Mets on Sunday.

During the bottom of the third inning, Ohtani said "Sayonara" to an 0-1 slider from Adrian Houser and sent it into the right field stands. That not only sparked an offensive clinic from the Dodgers, it vaulted him into the history books.

Ohtani now has 176 career MLB home runs, which stands alone as the most by any player born in Japan. Since April 13, he had been tied with Hideki Matsui at 175, and finally cemented himself as the most prolific MLB slugger from The Land of the Rising Sun.

"I'm relieved and happy," Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. "I took a while to get this point since my last homer, so just honestly, happy, relieved."

Matsui primarily played with the New York Yankees during his 10-year career (2003-2012), and he won a title with the Bronx Bombers in 2009. He had a 162-game average of 23 dingers for the Yankees, Angels, Athletics, and Rays.

By contrast, Ohtani needed just seven years to eclipse Matsui’s mark, and has a 162-game average of 39 home runs. His ability to produce from the plate and from the mound (when healthy) has thoroughly impressed Matsui.

Ohtani (17) celebrates after hitting his historic homerun. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

"His presence, his ability as a player, he's just a great player," Matsui said of Ohtani through an interpreter. "The numbers on my end are just not comparable. ... I'm sure many of the fans have their expectations as far as what he may do, what he may accomplish. As far as myself, my hope is just that he stays healthy."

The Dodgers certainly hope so too. They’re paying this man $700 million to play baseball for them. But as long as he keeps producing like this (and breaking records in the process), it will be a worthwhile investment.