During an intense auction on Tuesday night, the iconic ball from Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run of the season set a new record. The final price soared to a staggering $3.6 million, or $4,392,000 with the buyer’s premium, making it the highest price ever paid for a baseball at auction.
🚨 BREAKING: NEW RECORD $$$ FOR A BALL 🚨
Final Sale Price on the Shohei Ohtani 50th Home Run Baseball: $4,392,000
The Highest Sale Price for Any Ball of Any Sport!
Email us at [email protected] to Consign your Collectibles! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/GXs2TK3iFn
— Goldin (@GoldinCo) October 23, 2024
The auction was originally set to close at 7 p.m. Pacific Time but extended bidding saw the price surge from $2.3 million, culminating in 13 additional bids that pushed the final price up by $100,000 each until 8:56 p.m.
In other news: Ohtani makes history with his remarkable 50/50 feat, hitting three home runs and stealing two bases in one game.
On September 19, Ohtani made waves by entering baseball’s exclusive 50-50 club — achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Notably, he reached 50 steals during the same game, showcasing an impressive 6 for 6 performance with 10 RBIs against the Miami Marlins.
Megan Briggs/Getty Images
The fabled home run ball, launched over the left-field wall at loanDepot Park in Miami, sparked a legal battle over its ownership after the fan who caught it refused to return it to the Dodgers. However, on October 7, auctioneer Ken Goldin announced that a resolution was reached, allowing the auction to proceed smoothly.
Goldin stated, “The agreement conveys all ownership rights and title to the ball to Goldin Auctions, enabling us to provide clear title to the winning bidder.” The continuation of the auction was backed by all parties involved.
In more auction news: An auctioneer shares exciting details about a baseball that sold for $1.8 million.
Ohtani ended the season with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases for the Dodgers, leading the National League in runs (134), RBIs (130), on-base percentage (.390), and slugging (.646). His outstanding performance has made him a top MVP contender.
Additionally, the Dodgers clinched the National League West title in the same game, marking Ohtani’s inaugural postseason experience, after he spent six seasons with the Angels without reaching the playoffs. Following the season, he signed a whopping 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023.
The Dodgers are set to face the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the World Series this Friday.