Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 ball sells at auction for $4.3 million, setting record of its own
The ball Shohei Ohtani launched for his 50th home run of the season, having also stolen 50 bases, was bought at auction early Wednesday for more than $4.3 million.
The ball Shohei Ohtani launched for his 50th home run of the season, having also stolen 50 bases, was bought at auction early Wednesday for more than $4.3 million.
Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers phenom, became the first player to reach the 50/50 milestone in a season in September, widely considered one of the greatest achievements in baseball history.
There were 40 bids from around the world, with the successful bid coming at 12:26 a.m. ET. New Jersey auction house Goldin said it was the highest price paid for a baseball — or any other ball — in history.
“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,” said Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin.
Ohtani, 30, from Japan, went into the game against the Florida Marlins on Sept. 19 with 48 home runs and 49 stolen bases. In the seventh inning, on a 1-2 ball from Marlins pitcher Mike Baumann, Ohtani sent a mighty strike to left field and made history. It was one of three home runs he hit that night alone — his 51st season home run ball is also up for sale.
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