Shohei Ohtani's 50th Home Run Ball Hits Auction Block

Shohei Ohtani’s historic ball hit for his 50th home run of the MLB season is now up for auction. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar made history last Thursday by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. Auctioneers have set the starting bid for the ball at $500,000 (£375,000). Auctioneers set the starting bid for the ball at $500,000 (£375,000).

However, interested buyers can opt for a private purchase at $4.5 million (£3.4 million) which would break the current record for a baseball sold at auction. The existing record stands at $3.05 million (£1.9 million) for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from 1998. Ohtani achieved this milestone during a remarkable game against the Miami Marlins where the Dodgers triumphed 20-4.

In an exceptional batting performance, Ohtani went six for six, drove in 10 runs and hit three home runs. He also stole two bases bringing his season total to 51 stolen bases alongside his 51 home runs. The fan who caught Shohei Ohtani’s historic ball declined the Dodgers’ initial offer of $300,000 (£225,000) to buy it. Instead, the fan reached out to Goldin auction house the following day and chose to remain anonymous.

Goldin’s founder, Ken Goldin remarked that this was one of the easiest consignments they had handled as the fan contacted them directly through social media. As of now, Ohtani has increased his totals to 53 home runs and 55 stolen bases with just five regular-season games left. He will also participate in the MLB playoffs for the first time as the Dodgers have already secured their postseason spot.