Dodgers phenom Shohei Ohtani achieved yet another milestone as his 50th home run ball fetched an unprecedented $4.39 million at auction. Making history on and off the field, Ohtani’s remarkable feat of becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and swipe 50 bases in a single MLB season has captured the attention of sports enthusiasts worldwide.
Goldin Auctions orchestrated the sale, shattering the previous record set back in 1999 when Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from the iconic 1998 season sold for $3 million. Anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s historic ball as one of the most coveted pieces of baseball memorabilia proved to be well-founded, as the fierce global bidding war propelled its value to unprecedented heights.
Ken Goldin, the founder of Goldin Auctions, expressed his awe at the momentous sale, stating, “Shohei Ohtani solidified his place in history with this baseball, and now, by commanding the highest price ever paid for any sports ball, this irreplaceable sports artifact has etched its name in the annals of sports memorabilia lore.” The massive global interest in the auction underscored Ohtani’s immense impact on the world of sports.
Despite the successful conclusion of the sale, a legal battle over the ownership of Ohtani’s 50th home run ball continues to unfold in Florida. A temporary agreement permitted the auction to proceed, with the proceeds held in escrow while the court proceedings persist, adding a layer of intrigue to the ball’s journey from the ballpark to the auction block.
Ohtani’s memorable 50th home run was part of a dazzling three-home run performance against the Miami Marlins on September 19. Wrapping up the 2024 season with an impressive tally of 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, Ohtani’s unforgettable season is now further immortalized by the sale of his record-breaking home run ball.
