Shohei Ohtani recently made history by becoming the only player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season. He accomplished this feat with an outstanding offensive performance in a single game, going 6-for-6 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and two stolen bases. The home run ball that Ohtani hit during this historic game was auctioned off through Goldin Auctions and sold for a record-breaking $4,392,000, the highest price ever paid for a baseball. The sale of the ball has been described as making history once again, reflecting Ohtani’s impact on sports and the significance of this iconic piece of sports memorabilia.
The sale of Ohtani’s home run ball shattered the previous record of $3 million paid for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball in 1998 by Todd McFarlane. The legal ownership of the ball was disputed, with Christian Zacek ultimately walking out of Miami’s LoanDepot Park with the ball after gaining possession in the left-field stands. However, Max Matus and Joseph Davidov each filed separate lawsuits claiming that they had grabbed the ball first. Despite the legal battles, all parties agreed that the ball should be auctioned off, leading to the record-setting sale price.
Ohtani’s home run ball sold for nearly triple the amount of Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball in 2022, making it the third-most expensive baseball ever sold. The person who initially caught Judge’s home run ball turned down a $3 million offer before eventually selling it for half that amount. Ohtani and Judge are set to face off in this year’s World Series, which starts on Friday, adding even more excitement to the matchup between these two standout players. Fans can follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage for updates on the upcoming World Series.
Overall, Shohei Ohtani’s achievement of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season has cemented his place in MLB history. The record-breaking sale of his home run ball further highlights the impact of Ohtani’s incredible performance and the significance of this historic moment. The legal disputes over the ownership of the ball added drama to the story but ultimately led to a record-setting auction that captured the attention of fans around the world. The upcoming World Series between Ohtani and Judge promises to be an exciting showdown between two of the game’s top players, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding this historic season.
