Shohei Ohtani’s 100th Dodgers Home Run Sparks Frenzy and Legends’ Praise

Shohei Ohtani etched his name deeper into baseball history on Tuesday night, hammering his 100th home run as a Los Angeles Dodger in a 9-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. The milestone, achieved in just 294 games—the fastest in Dodgers franchise history—prompted an outpouring of heartfelt praise from Dodgers legends and sent fans into a frenzy on social media. Ohtani, the three-time MVP, spoke candidly about the achievement, while the baseball world marveled at his unprecedented prowess.

A Historic Blast Heard Around Baseball

Ohtani’s 100th Dodgers home run was no ordinary shot. Facing Pirates rookie Bubba Chandler in the third inning, the Japanese superstar crushed a solo homer at a blistering 120 mph off the bat, marking the hardest-hit ball of his MLB career and the second-hardest home run in the league this season. The ball rocketed into the right-field seats in just 3.6 seconds, leaving fans and players alike in awe. “It’s loud,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “For most guys, it’s a single, but for him, it’s a homer.”

This milestone surpassed Gary Sheffield’s previous franchise record of 399 games to reach 100 home runs, with only Mark McGwire and Babe Ruth achieving the feat faster with a single team in MLB history. Ohtani, who took 444 games to hit 100 homers with the Los Angeles Angels, reflected on the moment with characteristic humility. “It wasn’t on my radar,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “I’m just happy to contribute to the team.”

Dodgers Legends Shower Ohtani with Praise

The historic blast drew heartfelt reactions from Dodgers icons, amplifying the moment’s significance. Former Dodger Shawn Green, whose single-season home run record Ohtani broke last year with 54, called him “the greatest player who has ever lived.” Green’s comments, made during a September 19, 2024, broadcast, resurfaced as fans celebrated Ohtani’s latest feat. “He’s doing things no one else can,” Green added, referencing Ohtani’s 50-50 season.

Clayton Kershaw, a Dodgers legend and teammate, praised Ohtani’s work ethic. “He’s a once-in-a-generation talent,” Kershaw said post-game. “That 120 mph homer? Most guys can’t even dream of that.” Mookie Betts echoed the sentiment, noting, “At this point, there’s not much more he can do to amaze me. It’s just another homer for Shohei.”

The praise wasn’t limited to current and former players. On X, posts from fans and analysts exploded with admiration. One user wrote, “Shohei Ohtani is rewriting Dodgers history! 100 HRs in 294 games? Unreal!” Another added, “Legends like Green and Kershaw bowing to Shohei? This is why he’s the GOAT.”

Ohtani’s Unmatched Legacy

Ohtani’s 2025 season has been a continuation of his historic 2024 campaign, where he became the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. His 46th homer of 2025, the 100th with the Dodgers, keeps him among the league leaders, trailing only Cal Raleigh (51) and Kyle Schwarber (49). His .310/.390/.646 slash line and 59 stolen bases further cement his status as a unicorn in the sport.

Beyond his offensive dominance, Ohtani’s return to pitching after elbow surgery adds another layer to his legend. On August 6, he recorded his 1,000th career hit with a two-run homer while striking out eight in a 5-3 loss to the Cardinals, showcasing his two-way brilliance. “It’s crazy,” teammate Miguel Rojas said. “He pitches like an ace, hits a homer, and runs the bases like a speedster.”

Fans in a Frenzy

The Dodgers’ fanbase erupted on social media, with #Shohei100 trending after the game. “Ohtani’s 100th homer at 120 mph? He’s not human!” one fan posted on X. Another wrote, “Shawn Green calling him the greatest ever? I’m crying in Dodger blue!” The excitement was palpable at PNC Park, where even Pirates fans stood in awe as Ohtani rounded the bases.

Ohtani’s global appeal, underscored by his jersey sales leading MLB since 2023, has turned moments like these into cultural events. His 50-50 jersey from last season is projected to fetch $500,000 at auction, a testament to his marketability.

Looking Ahead

Despite the loss to the Pirates, Ohtani’s milestone keeps the Dodgers (80-59) in contention for the NL West crown. With Ohtani set to pitch in the series’ next game, fans are eager to see if he can continue his two-way dominance. Roberts remains confident: “His swing has shortened up, and he’s locked in.”

As the Dodgers chase another postseason berth, Ohtani’s 100th homer serves as a reminder of his transformative impact. From breaking records to earning praise from legends like Green and Kershaw, Ohtani is redefining what’s possible in baseball. For fans, it’s a moment to cherish—and a reason to keep dreaming of October glory.

Follow Ohtani’s journey as the Dodgers push for the playoffs.