Shohei Ohtani's Historic Auction

Baseball fans, get ready for the auction of a lifetime! The iconic ball that solidified Shohei Ohtani as the first-ever member of the 50-50 club is now available for purchase—with a staggering price tag of $4.5 million!

A Milestone Achievement

On September 19, 2023, Ohtani showcased an extraordinary performance while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he blasted his 50th home run of the season and swiped his 50th base against the Miami Marlins. This milestone achievement marked not only the first three-homer game of his illustrious career but also an astonishing 10-RBI game.

Game Highlights

The Dodgers triumphed over the Marlins with an overwhelming score of 20-4, securing a playoff spot—Ohtani's inaugural postseason appearance after six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. This game solidified Ohtani's status not just as a dominant player domestically but as a worldwide baseball celebrity.

The Auction Begins

Now, the historic baseball from this game is being auctioned off, with bids opening at $500,000. However, interested collectors have the option to buy it outright for the astonishing price of $4.5 million until October 9 at 10 p.m. ET. After that, the exclusive sale will transition completely to the auction process, which closes on October 16.

Setting Records

If sold for the private purchase price, this baseball would obliterate the previous record for the most expensive baseball, previously held by Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball, which sold for $3.005 million back in January 1999.

Historical Significance

Described by auctioneer Goldin as “a crowning piece for any game-used memorabilia collection,” the baseball exhibits noticeable black scuffing and other surface abrasions, evidence of its significant historical value.

Cultural Impact

Furthermore, Goldin pointed out the broader implications of Ohtani’s achievement, stating, “This accomplishment is not only a testament to Ohtani’s excellence on the field but also a shared celebration across different cultures and borders.”

Ohtani's Stellar Season

Ohtani, a two-time AL MVP and a player who has consistently broken records, has further elevated his stats to 53 home runs and 56 stolen bases, with just four games left in the regular season. Fans are buzzing with excitement, hoping he may even achieve an unprecedented 60-60 milestone. However, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has expressed skepticism, labeling it as “very unrealistic,” though he added, “with him, anything’s possible.”

The Pursuit of 50-50

The closest anyone has ever come to the 50-50 club before Ohtani was Ronald Acuña Jr., who stole 73 bases and hit 41 home runs this year, and Alex Rodriguez, who managed 42 home runs and 46 stolen bases in 1998 with the Seattle Mariners.

Conclusion

Will the historic ball find a new home, or will it go down in auction history unsold? Either way, Ohtani's unprecedented accomplishments will surely continue to capture the hearts and minds of baseball fans worldwide!