Wed Nov 20 10:37:45 UTC 2024: ## Ohtani’s Power Display Earns Him “Long Drive Champion” Title

**Los Angeles, CA** – Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani continues to defy expectations, earning the title of “long drive champion” of Major League Baseball from MLB insider Tom Verducci. Ohtani’s incredible power was highlighted by his 2024 season performance, where he achieved the remarkable feat of hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases, a milestone he dubbed the “50-50 club.” Nine of those home runs soared over 450 feet.

Verducci, speaking on MLB Network, emphasized the sheer power behind Ohtani’s hits. He noted that Ohtani hit more 450-foot home runs than any team except the Colorado Rockies (whose home stadium’s high altitude is a contributing factor) and more than Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Giancarlo Stanton combined.

Verducci attributed Ohtani’s exceptional power to his incredibly fast hip rotation, comparing his swing to that of renowned long-hitting golfer Phil Mickelson. “He uses two hands for extension…what he’s doing is it looks like he’s hitting Titleist not baseball,” Verducci stated.

Ohtani’s remarkable season culminated in another Silver Slugger award, his third overall and first in the National League. He also batted .310 with 130 RBIs in the regular season. His impressive performance has put him in contention for the AL MVP award, alongside Francisco Lindor and Ketel Marte, with the winner to be announced on November 21st. Past Silver Slugger wins have foreshadowed Ohtani’s MVP wins, adding weight to his current candidacy.

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