Shohei Ohtani made MLB history earlier this month as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season.
Ohtani reached the historic mark on Sept. 19 by hitting three home runs and stealing two bases to lead the Los Angeles Dodgers in a blowout win against the Miami Marlins. The fan who caught Ohtani’s home run ball, which was authenicated by MLB before being put into play, left loanDepot Park in possession of it.
He reportedly turned down a $300,000 offer from the Dodgers.
Now, however, the fan who wrestled away Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is putting it up for auction through Goldin, a collectibles marketplace. Bidding began Friday morning, starting at $500,000.
Buyers have the opportunity to outright purchase the baseball for $4.5 million between Sept. 27 and Oct. 9. If bidding eclipses the $3 million threshold before Oct. 9, an outright purchase will not be an option, and interested buyers will have to compete through bidding for the record-setting baseball.
The ball shows its game use, with scuffing from the swing, and abrasions present through the surface leather. It’s expected to be the most expensive purchase for a baseball ever sold at auction, going above the $1.5 million sale of New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge’s record-breaking 62nd home run ball.
Ohtani is in a class of his own with 50-50 club, a mark that previously seemed unreachable, except for a player that displays the power and speed element that he does.
Judge dismisses lawsuit for home run ball
A Florida juge ruled the auction for Ohtani’s home run ball could proceed by dismissing a civil lawsuit brought forth by Max Matus. He sought a temporary injunction to stop the auction.
Matus’ lawsuit stated he had possession of Ohtani’s home run ball before it was ripped from his hands.
The Miami-Dade County judge ruled in an emergency hearing that the motion for a temporary injunction was deferred, and an evidentiary hearing will be held Oct. 10. The order permitted the auction can start, but the house “will not sell, conceal or transfer” the ball pending the court’s ruling.
Shohei Ohtani 50-50 club merchandise
If bidding isn’t in the cards, fans can purchase one of FOCO’s special released bobbleheads commemorating Ohtani’s 50-50 achievement.
A mini Ohtani bobblehead that features a bighead design can be purchased in a boxed set, individually, but all geared toward celebrating his historic feat. An embroidered plush bear is also among the items available, with very limited quantities, some that won’t be restocked once they’re gone.
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