The fan who caught Shohei Ohtani’s historic home run ball on Wednesday night seemed to lack the finesse of negotiation.
During Wednesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants, Ohtani launched his first home run as a Los Angeles Dodger, contributing to their 5-4 victory. In the bottom of the seventh inning, the two-time MVP Ohtani sent Giants left-hander Taylor Rogers’ pitch flying 430 feet into right-center field.
The home broadcast captured the ecstatic fan, a woman adorned in Dodgers attire, who secured Ohtani’s home run ball.
Post-game, Ohtani informed reporters that he managed to retrieve the baseball from the fan. He mentioned exchanging it for another ball, two caps, a bat, and engaging in a brief conversation.
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While this may have sufficed for the fan, it appears to be a modest return for a home run ball of such significance, coming from a player of Ohtani’s caliber. Even if she wasn’t aiming for monetary gain, negotiating for Dodgers season tickets or a comparable offer would have been more favorable.
Nonetheless, the fan departs with a cherished memory (potentially enhanced if Ohtani autographed the items). Yet, considering the substantial prices fetched by historic baseballs in recent times, it appears an opportunity for a better deal may have been missed.
