Wladimir Balentien hit his 56th and 57th home runs on Sunday, breaking the Japanese single-season record set by legendary slugger Sadaharu Oh 49 years ago.

Oh set the record of 55 in 1964.

"I want to thank the fans for all their support,'' Balentien said. "It was a great feeling. I don't think I will ever feel anything like that again in my life.''

The 29-year-old missed the first 12 games of this season because of a leg injury sustained while playing for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.