How Ohtani Channeled Baseball Legend Roy Campanella with Historic 5-Game HR Streak

When History Meets the Present

Did you know that only seven players in Los Angeles Dodgers history have ever hit home runs in five consecutive games? On July 24, 2025, Shohei Ohtani became the latest member of this exclusive club, joining Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella who first accomplished this feat way back in 1950[web:8]. The Japanese superstar crushed a 411-foot solo home run off Minnesota Twins starter Chris Paddack in the first inning, sending Dodger Stadium into an absolute frenzy[web:5]. What makes this streak even more remarkable is that it represents Ohtani's personal best since joining MLB in 2018, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Dodgers[web:21][web:22].

Ohtani's 37th home run of the season pushed him to the top of the National League home run leaderboard, surpassing Arizona's Eugenio Suarez[web:8]. This accomplishment is particularly impressive considering Ohtani has been balancing pitching duties alongside his hitting responsibilities this season, making him the only player in modern baseball attempting such a dual role[web:4]. The streak began on July 19 against Milwaukee and continued through games against Minnesota, with Ohtani hitting three of his five homers to center field and two to the opposite field, showcasing his complete mastery at the plate[web:8].

The Legendary Company He Keeps

Joining Roy Campanella in the Dodgers record books isn't just any achievement—it's like being inducted into baseball royalty[web:19]. The other five players who share this record read like a who's who of Dodgers excellence: Max Muncy accomplished it in 2019, Joc Pederson in 2015, Adrián González across the 2014-2015 seasons, Matt Kemp in 2010, and Shawn Green in 2001[web:12]. Each of these players left their mark on franchise history, and now Ohtani's name stands alongside theirs[web:8].

What's fascinating about Ohtani's achievement is the cultural significance it holds in both Japan and Korea, where baseball fans closely follow every move their stars make in MLB[web:4]. Korean online communities on platforms like Naver and DC Inside erupted with excitement, with fans praising Ohtani's consistency while also expressing hope that Korean players like Kim Hye-seong would eventually reach similar heights[web:33][web:34]. One popular comment on Naver Sports read: This is why Ohtani is worth every penny—he carries the team on his shoulders[web:27]. The baseball world now watches to see if Ohtani can break the all-time MLB record of eight consecutive games with a home run, held by legends Dale Long, Don Mattingly, and Ken Griffey Jr[web:8][web:21].

Dramatic Ninth-Inning Magic

Just when it seemed the Dodgers might waste Ohtani's heroics and Tyler Glasnow's dominant 12-strikeout performance, Freddie Freeman delivered one of the most clutch hits of the season[web:49]. Down 3-4 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, the Dodgers staged an improbable comeback[web:5]. After Mookie Betts reached on an infield single, Minnesota made the controversial decision to intentionally walk Ohtani, loading the bases for Freeman[web:27][web:49].

Freeman made them pay immediately, lining a two-run single to left field that Harrison Bader couldn't corral, sending Dodger Stadium into absolute pandemonium[web:5][web:49]. The 4-3 walk-off victory improved the Dodgers' record to 60-43 and maintained their grip on first place in the NL West[web:23]. Fans on social media couldn't stop talking about the dramatic finish, with one Reddit user writing: That's why you never leave a Dodgers game early—they always find a way[web:49]. The win exemplified the never-say-die attitude that has defined this championship-caliber squad all season long.

Kim Hye-seong's Quiet Struggle Continues

While Ohtani basked in glory, Korean infielder Kim Hye-seong experienced a frustrating afternoon at the plate[web:30][web:34]. Starting as the seventh batter and playing second base, Kim struck out in both of his at-bats before being removed for a pinch hitter in the seventh inning[web:22][web:33]. The 26-year-old's struggles against left-handed pitching have become a recurring theme, and manager Dave Roberts made the tactical decision to replace him with Miguel Rojas when Minnesota brought in a southpaw reliever[web:36].

Despite the offensive struggles, Kim showed flashes of his defensive brilliance in the fourth inning, making a spectacular backhand play on a hard-hit grounder from Cody Clemens[web:30]. Korean baseball communities on sites like FMKorea and PGR21 remain supportive but anxious, with many fans noting that Kim's .280 batting average through 71 games represents a solid foundation for a rookie season[web:13]. As October approaches and the Dodgers prepare for their postseason run, questions linger about Kim's role on the playoff roster—he made the Wild Card and NLDS rosters but has yet to see game action in five consecutive postseason contests[web:7][web:26][web:29]. The hope among Korean fans is that Kim can continue developing and eventually become a key contributor for this star-studded franchise in seasons to come.