Shohei Ohtani, the sensational Dodgers player who etched his name in Major League Baseball history by becoming the first to achieve the impressive feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season, is now making waves off the field. The 50th home run ball from his record-breaking season has just entered the annals of sports memorabilia history by fetching an astounding $4.39 million at auction – setting an unparalleled benchmark for any sports ball ever sold.
The remarkable sale, orchestrated by Goldin Auctions, eclipsed the prior record of $3 million, which had stood since 1999 for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from his monumental 1998 season. Expectations were sky-high for the value of Ohtani’s historic baseball, and the global bidding frenzy that ensued only solidified its undeniable significance.
Ken Goldin, the founder of Goldin Auctions, expressed, “Shohei Ohtani not only made history with this baseball on the field, but now, with its ground-breaking sale price, this legendary piece of sports memorabilia has etched its own place in history once again. The worldwide interest and spirited bidding in this auction underscore Ohtani’s profound impact on the world of sports.”
Although the auction concluded with resounding success, a legal tussle over the rightful ownership of the ball is currently unfolding in Florida. A provisional agreement allowed the auction to proceed, with the proceeds being held in escrow as the legal battle continues to play out in court.
Ohtani’s monumental 50th home run was achieved during a sensational game against the Miami Marlins on September 19. His awe-inspiring stats for the 2024 season included an impressive tally of 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, solidifying what was already an iconic season for the talented athlete.
