According to auction house Goldin, the ball that Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani hit for his season-high 50th home run brought in a record-breaking US$4.39 million on Wednesday.
Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to steal 50 bases and hit 50 home runs in a single season thanks to the home run.
In a statement, Ken Goldin, the auction house’s founder and CEO, stated, “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.”
“We received bids from around the world, a testament to the significance of this iconic collectible and Ohtani’s impact on sports,” he stated. “I’m thrilled for the winning bidder.”
The US$3.05 million paid for Mark McGwire’s home run ball in 1998 was the previous record price for a baseball.
On September 19, amid the Los Angeles Dodgers’ incredible offensive performance against the Marlins in Miami, Ohtani hit his 50th home run of the season.
He got five extra-base hits overall, including two doubles among his six hits in six at-bats.
Ohtani’s first trip to the MLB playoffs will come after he helped the Dodgers secure a postseason berth by driving in ten runs, scoring four himself, and stealing two bases.
Ohtani increased his power at the plate after stealing two bases in the first two innings, bringing his season total to 51.
In the sixth inning, he hit his 49th home run of the season. In the seventh inning, he hit a curveball from Mike Baumann into the left field seats, establishing the 50-50 club.
According to reports, the fan who saw it declined the Dodgers’ offer to buy it for $300,000 USD and quickly consigned it to Goldin. (AFP)
