Shohei Ohtani, one of baseball’s biggest stars, continues to make headlines as the auction for his historic 50th home run ball soars past $1 million. The ball, hit during a game against the Miami Marlins, has collectors vying for a piece of history.
With Goldin Auctions leading the event, the final price could potentially surpass Mark McGwire’s 1998 home run ball record, sold for $3 million.
What makes Ohtani’s 50th home run ball special?
Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball marks an incredible achievement, as Ohtani becomes the first player to reach the milestones of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
This is why the ball has generated such high interest, with bids starting at $500,000 and quickly surpassing $1 million. As the auction continues, many believe it could set a new record for the most expensive piece of baseball memorabilia ever sold.
How can you follow the auction for the home run ball?
The auction for Ohtani’s 50th home run ball ends on October 17, and the current bid stands at $1,050,000. To follow the auction or place a bid, you can visit Goldin Auctions online. You better be prepared to spend some money, but the price will only go up as his career progresses.
What is the controversy surrounding Ohtani’s 50/50 ball?
There were two separate lawsuits over ownership of the ball when it went into the stands. First, a fan claimed that he got possession of the “real” ball and that the whole auction was a sham.
Then, two days later, another fan is seeking $50,000 in damages, claiming that he was the one who grabbed the ball and had to let it go because of the assault of another fan seeking the record-breaking item.
Shohei Ohtani is coming off one of the best seasons in baseball history. In addition to his home run and stolen base records, he has led the Los Angeles Dodgers to the best record in the majors.
Despite an arm injury that has kept him out of the pitching rotation all season, he is poised to win the National League MVP trophy as the designated hitter, a feat no baseball player has ever accomplished.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have qualified for the playoffs as the top seed in the National League. This means that they will have a first-round bye, and will play either San Diego or Atlanta directly in the NLDS, starting October 5.