The 2024 baseball season has been a whirlwind of historic moments, and one of the most defining came from Los Angeles Angels' phenom, Shohei Ohtani. In a breathtaking display of prowess, Ohtani etched his name into the annals of Major League Baseball (MLB) history by becoming the first player ever to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Now, the ball from his milestone 50th home run is hitting the auction block, generating significant buzz among collectors and baseball enthusiasts alike.
A Historic Achievement
On the memorable night of Ohtani's 50th home run, the Miami Marlins were the opponents, but all eyes were fixed on the incomparable two-way star. Ohtani's performance was nothing short of extraordinary: he went 6 for 6, slamming two doubles, three home runs, stealing two bases, and racking up an eye-watering 10 RBIs. Amidst this display of talent, one ball, in particular, would be immortalized by its significance—his 50th home run ball.
Going Under the Hammer
The importance of this ball cannot be overstated, and it has promptly become a prized item in the world of sports memorabilia. Entrusted to Goldin, a renowned name in the auction industry, the ball will start bidding on September 27 with an opening price of $500,000. For those unwilling to risk a bidding war, the ball is also available for outright purchase at a staggering $4.5 million until October 9.
"Ohtani is truly one-of-a-kind, and the 50-50 record may be his crowning achievement. We're honored to bring this iconic item to collectors. This is a piece of baseball history that fans and historians around the world will remember for decades to come," said Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin.
Setting New Records
If the ball fetches its outright purchase price, it will set a new world record for the most expensive home run ball ever sold at auction, surpassing the current record of $3.005 million held by Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball from the 1998 season. This potential new record is a testament to Ohtani's unmatched influence and his unique place in the sport's history.
A Remarkable Journey
Shohei Ohtani's journey to the pinnacle of baseball has been nothing short of remarkable. He began his professional career with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan, where he quickly established himself as a generational talent. Recognizing his potential, the Angels brought him to Major League Baseball in the United States, where he initially played for the Dodgers in his first year. Over the years, his performances have continuously dazzled fans and confounded opponents, culminating in his historic 2024 season.
An All-Star Legacy
This season also saw Ohtani named as an MLB All-Star, further solidifying his status as one of the game's most electrifying players. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth, but Ohtani's speed on the base paths adds an additional dimension that sets him apart from anyone who has come before him.
As the auction approaches, the excitement surrounding Ohtani's 50th home run ball only serves to underscore the magnitude of his achievements this season. The bidding will no doubt be fierce, and for the lucky collector who ultimately acquires this piece of history, it will be a tangible connection to one of baseball's most phenomenal seasons.
Indeed, Shohei Ohtani's 2024 season is one for the ages, and his 50th home run ball is a symbol of his exceptional talent and historic impact on the game. As Ken Goldin remarked, it is an item that fans and historians will remember for decades to come, encapsulating the essence of a player who is, truly, one-of-a-kind.