Shohei Ohtani Ties Record Set By New York Yankees Legend

A former New York Yankees legend has company at the top of record list that he set during his playing days.

Apr 12, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

When thinking about legendary Japanese baseball players, many of the older generation will point to Hideki Matsui who spent seven seasons with the New York Yankees from 2003-09

He signed with the Yankees at 29 years old after dominating Nippon Professional Baseball in Japan where he won multiple awards that included three Central League MVPs.

Matsui immediately dominated in Major League Baseball, finishing runner-up in the AL Rookie of the Year voting in controversial fashion.

He was an integral part of their 2009 World Series-winning team, bringing home the World Series MVP award to become the first Japanese-born player to earn that honor.

The legend ended his career in 2012 with 175 home runs, the most ever by a Japanese-born player in MLB history.

On Friday night, Shohei Ohtani tied Matsui's record.

History for Shohei Ohtani!

Shohei ties Hideki Matsui for most home runs by a Japanese-born player! pic.twitter.com/9JXIBv2Rcy

— MLB (@MLB) April 13, 2024

The opposite field solo shot by Ohtani launched him into the record books once again as he continues to make his case that he's not only the best Japanese player ever, but one of the best this game has ever seen.

Ohtani was able to get a head start on Matsui as he came to the United States at 23 years old instead of 29, but that doesn't diminish anything that either of these players have been able to accomplish during their careers.

By the time it's all said and done, Ohtani will likely hold every record imaginable for Japanese players who came to the MLB.

He has been completely dominant since coming over in 2018, having already won the AL Rookie of the Year award and two MVPs.