In a historic moment that will be cherished by baseball enthusiasts for years to come, the ball from Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run of the 2024 season is up for grabs. Auction house Goldin has announced that the prized piece of memorabilia will be available for bidding starting on September 27, with an opening bid priced at $500,000.
For those looking to secure the ball without entering the competitive bidding arena, there's an option to purchase it outright for a staggering $4.5 million. Prospective buyers have until October 9 to make this decisive move.
A Record-Breaking Season
Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run isn't just any milestone. With this feat, he has become the first player in Major League Baseball history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. The momentous home run was delivered during a phenomenal performance against the Miami Marlins, showcasing Ohtani's extraordinary talent and versatility.
A Night to Remember
In that unforgettable game, Ohtani went an incredible 6 for 6, hitting two doubles, three home runs, stealing two bases, and accruing 10 RBI. The ball was initially caught by a lucky fan, who later chose to entrust it to Goldin, recognizing the item's immense historical value.
An Item of Great Value
Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin, commented on the significance of the ball, stating, "Ohtani is truly one-of-a-kind, and the 50-50 record may be his crowning achievement. We're honored to bring this iconic item to collectors. This is a piece of baseball history that fans and historians around the world will remember for decades to come."
The record price for a home run ball currently stands at $3.005 million, set by Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball from 1998. With the impressive accomplishments surrounding Ohtani's 50th home run, there's significant speculation that this ball could surpass that figure, cementing its place in the annals of sports memorabilia history.
A Star on the Rise
Ohtani’s rise to stardom began with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan before he transitioned to the Major Leagues in the United States. In his first year with the Dodgers, he was named an MLB All-Star for the 2024 season, further solidifying his status as one of baseball's most prolific talents. His dual-threat capability as both a power hitter and a swift base runner has captivated fans and analysts alike, making each of his games a must-watch event.
As bidding opens for this extraordinary piece of baseball history, all eyes will be on how the auction unfolds. Whether it sets a new record or remains an emblem of a remarkable season, the ball from Ohtani’s 50th home run is destined to become a treasured artifact, immortalizing one of the most unique talents the sport has ever seen.