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.
