Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani made history on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, by becoming the first Japanese-born player in Major League Baseball to hit 300 career home runs.
The milestone came on a 409-foot leadoff blast in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium.
Despite Ohtani's historic homer, the Dodgers fell 4-3 due to late defensive miscues. The loss overshadowed an otherwise memorable night for the two-way star.
Historic Achievement
Ohtani reached 300 home runs in his 1,101st game, making him the fifth-fastest player in MLB history to achieve the feat, according to MLB.
com and Elias Sports Bureau. He is the first Japanese-born player to reach the mark.
Following the milestone, Topps announced a limited-edition commemorative trading card under its Topps NOW program, available until July 9, 2026.
The card features parallel foils, image variations, Kanji-language prints, and a rare 1-of-1 autograph redemption card.
Manager and Player Reactions
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani's performance. "It was quite the homer.
It was squared up, got out in a hurry. And 300, he got there pretty quickly for us.
I just marvel at him every day," Roberts said.
Roberts also expressed confidence in Ohtani's future. "He just had a birthday.
Still young, still strong. So I definitely think 500 is in his future," he added.
Roberts also used his pregame comments to advocate for left-handed starter Justin Wrobleski and reliever Tanner Scott for All-Star roster spots.
"There's going to be some changes and some talks here," Roberts said.
Wrobleski, who pitched seven innings allowing one run with nine strikeouts, acknowledged his disappointment at not making the initial All-Star roster.
"Obviously it's disappointing. You want to be an All-Star.
It's something that, regardless of the year, whenever, it's always a big deal," Wrobleski said.
He added, "It's frustrating to not get that nod. But like I said before, it's just more reason to try and keep getting better."
On the defensive side, shortstop Miguel Rojas took responsibility for a mental error in the eighth inning that contributed to the loss.
"Physical errors happen, and I'm OK with that. But mental errors are the ones that are disappointing.
I should have been on third base," Rojas said.
Statistical projections from CBS Sports suggest Ohtani could reach 500 home runs by the end of his current contract in 2033, with a projected 38 home runs in 2033 to reach 506 career homers.
