"Most important thing is winning the game" - Shohei Ohtani makes team-first statement after reaching exclusive 40-40 club

Like Aaron Judge, even Shohei Ohtani is not bothered about records but is more concerned about winning for the team. For Ohtani, it was a far-fetched concept while with the LA Angels, as he never really got a good shot at the postseason, but now, after signing with the LA Dodgers on a 10-year deal, he'll get plenty in the next decade.

On Friday, Ohtani hit a walk-off grand slam against Tampa Bay Rays reliever Manuel Rodriguez to win the game 7-4 for the Dodgers. His 40th home run of the season, coupled with a base steal he made in the fourth inning, has elevated him to join the exclusive 40-40 club, which only had five members. Ohtani became the sixth one and also the fastest among them all.

After the game, during a sideline interview with reporter Kirsten Watson, Ohtani was more focused on winning the game for the team than dwelling on the record.

"Obviously, I'm really happy, but most importantly, I'm really happy that we were able to win today. I'm just extremely honored to be part of this history. It's really more about the winning," Ohtani told Watson via interpreter.

"Obviously, the record is part of the process, but I think the most important thing is winning the game. My number one goal is to get to the postseason and win the World Series, and whatever the outcome is for my record, that's just part of the process."

Shohei Ohtani is the quickest to reach 40-40 feat in a season

Before Shohei Ohtani, five individuals had a 40-40 season. Among them, Alfonso Soriano was the fastest, reaching the mark in 147 games in 2006 and doing so on Sept. 16 of the season.

On Friday, Ohtani broke both benchmarks, doing so in just 126 games and also on Aug. 23, almost three weeks earlier than anyone else in MLB history.

1. Alfonso Soriano: 147 games (2006)
2. Jose Canseco: 151 games (1988)
3. Ronald Acuña Jr.: 152 games (2023)
4. Alex Rodriguez: 153 games (1998)
5. Barry Bonds: 158 games (1996)

Now, Shohei Ohtani has a chance to be in a club where no one is, the 50-50 one. He has over a month to get there. Meanwhile, here's the historic grand slam to take a look at again:

Can the Japanese superstar reach the 50-50 club? Have your say in the comments section below!