Fan keeps Shohei Ohtani"s 50th home run ball after Dodgers game
- Shohei Ohtani achieved a historic milestone by hitting his 50th home run and stealing 50 bases in a single season during a game against the Miami Marlins.
- An unidentified fan caught the authenticated baseball and decided to keep it, which could be a valuable decision given the market for historic baseballs.
- The Dodgers' victory secured them a playoff spot, further highlighting the significance of Ohtani's achievement.
On Thursday night, during a game at loanDepot Park, 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. This remarkable feat occurred during a match where the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Miami Marlins with a score of 20-4. The game not only highlighted Ohtani's exceptional talent but also secured a playoff spot for the Dodgers. The milestone was marked by Ohtani hitting his 50th home run, a baseball that was authenticated as a special ball used during his at-bat. An unidentified fan caught this historic ball, opting to keep it rather than return it to the team, which is a common practice among fans who catch significant baseballs. This decision could potentially lead to a lucrative opportunity for the fan, as historic baseballs can fetch high prices in auctions. For context, the market value of such memorabilia can be substantial; for instance, Aaron Judge's 62nd home run ball sold for $1.5 million, while Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball from 1998 holds the record for the highest sale. The fan who caught Ohtani's ball may have made a wise choice, considering the potential financial gain. Ohtani expressed his feelings about the achievement, stating that it was something he would cherish for a long time. The game not only showcased his skills but also added to the excitement of the season, as fans celebrated this historic moment in baseball history.