Shohei Ohtani, the Dodger superstar and two-time AL MVP, made history by hitting his 50th home run of the season in a game against the Miami Marlins on September 19. This remarkable achievement marked Ohtani as the first player in MLB history to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. In that unforgettable game, Ohtani went 6-for-6 with three home runs, two doubles, and an impressive 10 RBI.
The ball that Ohtani hit for his 50th home run is now set to be auctioned by the Goldin company, with the bidding starting at $500,000. There is also an option to purchase the ball outright for $4.5 million until October 9. If bids reach $3 million before the deadline, the private purchase option will be removed, allowing bidders to compete further for the historic piece of sports memorabilia. Extended bidding will commence on October 16.
The fan who ended up with the high-value home run ball was escorted out of the ballpark by security and promptly brought it to Goldin within a week. The identity of the cosignor has not been disclosed by Goldin. The CEO of the auction company, Ken Goldin, expressed his admiration for Ohtani’s unique talent and the significance of the 50-50 record, considering it as the player’s crowning achievement. Goldin emphasized the historical value of the baseball, which will be cherished by fans and historians worldwide for years to come.
Photos of the game ball display black scuff marks on the white leather surface, with a MLB hologram used for authentication. This auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors to own a piece of baseball history and commemorate Ohtani’s extraordinary accomplishment in the sport. The bidding process is expected to draw significant attention from baseball enthusiasts and memorabilia collectors alike, eager to acquire this iconic item associated with one of the greatest players in MLB history.