Shohei Ohtani's 50th HR Ball Auction Begins at $500K

Shohei Ohtani made history by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season during a game against the Miami Marlins on September 19. This remarkable feat occurred during a 20-4 victory, where Ohtani had an outstanding performance, hitting three home runs and achieving 10 RBIs while going 6-for-6 at the plate. His second home run of the day marked his 50th of the season, solidifying his place in the record books. The 50th home run ball, which was caught by an anonymous fan at LoanDepot Park, has garnered significant attention. Initially, the fan received an offer of $300,000 from the Dodgers but chose to auction the ball instead. The auction, organized by Goldin, is set to begin with a starting bid of $500,000 and will run until October 16. There is also a private sale option available for $4.5 million until October 9, provided that bidding does not reach $3 million. Ken Goldin, the founder and CEO of Goldin, emphasized the importance of a quick auction, noting that Ohtani's performance and the Dodgers' playoff run would keep the player in the public eye. The ball has been authenticated by MLB, adding to its value and appeal. Goldin expressed confidence that the auction would attract global interest, potentially leading to a buyer outside the United States. As of now, Ohtani has increased his season totals to 53 home runs and 55 stolen bases with only five games remaining. His exceptional performance has positioned him as a strong candidate for the Most Valuable Player award, further enhancing the significance of the 50th home run ball in the world of sports memorabilia.