Shohei Ohtani, the dazzling star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, not only made headlines on the field with his remarkable performance becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. This time, Ohtani’s achievement has transcended the baseball diamond and entered the realm of historic auctions, setting a new benchmark for sports memorabilia. His 50th home run ball, which witnessed that monumental feat, fetched an unprecedented $4.39 million at an auction, marking it as the most expensive sports ball ever sold.
The remarkable sale was facilitated by Goldin Auctions and soared past the previous record of $3 million set in 1999 for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from his remarkable 1998 season. The anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s milestone ball proved to be well-founded as the bidding war unfolded globally, cementing its place as one of the most coveted pieces of baseball history.
Founder of Goldin Auctions, Ken Goldin, expressed his awe at the historic moment, stating, “Shohei Ohtani made history with this baseball, and now, with the highest sale price for any ball ever sold, this legendary piece of sports memorabilia has made history again. This auction drew bids from around the world, a testament to Ohtani’s impact on sports.”
However, even amidst the success of the auction, a legal battle over the ownership of the ball looms in Florida. A temporary agreement allowed the auction to proceed, with the proceeds from the sale being held in escrow as the courtroom drama continues.
Ohtani’s 50th home run, part of a mesmerizing three-home run game against the Miami Marlins on September 19, was a crowning moment in an exceptional season. The Japanese sensation capped off his 2024 campaign with a staggering 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, solidifying his status as a baseball icon for the ages.
