Shohei Ohtani, the sensational MLB player who recently accomplished the remarkable feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season, has not just been rewriting the record books on the field. The auction of his 50th home run ball has set a new benchmark in the world of sports memorabilia, fetching an astonishing $4.39 million, a figure that has eclipsed all previous records.
This historic sale was orchestrated by Goldin Auctions and has now claimed the title of the highest price ever paid for a single baseball or indeed, any sports ball. Surpassing the previous milestone of $3 million, which was established back in 1999 for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from his iconic 1998 season, Ohtani’s ball was highly anticipated to fetch a substantial sum due to its significance in baseball history.
Ken Goldin, the founder of Goldin Auctions, expressed his admiration for Ohtani’s achievements, 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.” The enthusiastic global bidding that took place further solidified the reputation and impact Ohtani has had on the world of sports.
Despite the successful conclusion of the sale, a legal battle over the ownership of the ball is currently unfolding in Florida. A temporary agreement enabled the auction to proceed, with the received funds being held in escrow while the court case progresses towards a resolution.
Ohtani’s 50th home run, a pivotal moment achieved in a game against the Miami Marlins on September 19, marked one of three homers he hit during that game. Concluding the 2024 season with an extraordinary tally of 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, Ohtani’s outstanding performance has cemented his legacy as one of the most iconic players in recent baseball history.
