Shohei Ohtani's 50th Home Run Baseball Fetches Record $4.392 Million at Auction

Shohei Ohtani continues to set records in Major League Baseball. The ball from his 50th home run, hit on September 19, 2023, sold for a remarkable $4.392 million at auction. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a sports ball, according to Goldin Auctions.

Goldin CEO Ken Goldin stated, "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 previous record was held by Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball from the 1998 season, which sold for $3.005 million. Ohtani's historic home run, which helped him achieve the first 50-50 season in MLB history, came during a game where he went 6-for-6, hitting three home runs and earning 10 RBIs against the Miami Marlins.

The Los Angeles Dodgers attempted to acquire the ball for Ohtani, offering $300,000, but the fan who caught it opted to auction it instead.

Currently, the ownership of the baseball is contested, with multiple lawsuits claiming rights to the ball. However, all parties involved have agreed to allow the ball to be auctioned, with the proceeds held until a legal resolution determines the rightful owner.