The man who emerged victorious from a scramble in the stands to claim Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball at LoanDepot Park on Thursday is about to see his bank account soar. According to auction experts, this rare piece of baseball memorabilia is poised to fetch a small fortune.
David Kohler, president of SCP Auctions, told TMZ Sports that initial evaluations suggest the ball could sell for over $500,000 at auction. While that price tag may seem staggering, the baseball’s historic significance makes it worth every penny.
This ball is truly a one-of-a-kind artifact. It represents the first time in Major League Baseball history that a player has recorded both 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. Additionally, the game in which Ohtani hit the milestone is already being hailed as one of the greatest performances ever seen.
Ohtani finished the game with six total hits, including three home runs, scored four runs, drove in 10 RBIs, and even stole two bases. His remarkable stat line solidified his standing as one of the most exceptional talents the sport has ever seen.
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As for the lucky individual who caught the historic ball, their identity has not been revealed yet. However, a witness at the stadium reported to Cllct that the person is believed to be in their 50s.
After the ball was secured, there were reportedly negotiations between the fan and the Dodgers, but the fan ultimately left the stadium with the prized possession in hand.
While it’s still unclear what the ball’s new owner plans to do with it, the option of auctioning it off could result in a massive windfall. Should the fan decide to part ways with it, they could walk away with enough money to buy luxury cars, designer handbags, or a lifetime supply of steak dinners.
For now, the world is waiting to see what becomes of Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball—an unforgettable piece of baseball history with an astronomical price tag to match.