In a thrilling rematch of the 2024 World Series, the New York Yankees traveled to Los Angeles for a highly anticipated weekend showdown against the Dodgers. The stage was set for a clash of titans, and the game’s opening moments delivered a historic spectacle that left fans in awe.
The fireworks erupted early as Yankees superstar Aaron Judge crushed a towering home run in his first at-bat of the game, his 19th of the season. Not to be outdone, Dodgers’ phenom Shohei Ohtani responded with a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first inning, his MLB-leading 21st of the year. Ohtani wasn’t finished, adding his 22nd home run in the sixth inning, further cementing his dominance.
This electrifying exchange made MLB history. According to OptaSTATS, Friday’s game marked the first time in league history that both reigning MVPs—Judge (2024 AL MVP) and Ohtani (2024 NL MVP)—homered in the first inning of the same game. The moment was a testament to the unparalleled talent of these two superstars, who continue to redefine what’s possible on the diamond.
Fans were quick to share their excitement online. “And WE are here for it!!!” one fan exclaimed. Another called it “nuts,” while a third dubbed it a “damn cool cherry pick.” One fan summed up the sentiment perfectly: “Are you not entertained?”
Tonight marks the first time in MLB history both reigning MVPs homered in the first inning of the same game.
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) May 31, 2025
Both players have carried their 2024 dominance into the new season. Ohtani, who made history as the first player in MLB’s modern era to score 60 runs before June, entered the game batting .292 with 65 hits, 37 RBIs, and an impressive 1.042 OPS. Meanwhile, Judge is setting the league ablaze with a .391 batting average, 19 home runs, 47 RBIs, and a league-leading 1.227 OPS.
With their teams atop their respective divisions, Judge and Ohtani are proving why they’re the sport’s brightest stars. Friday’s game was more than a rematch—it was a historic chapter written by two living legends in just minutes of play, leaving fans eager for what’s next in this epic rivalry.