Shohei Ohtani’s Historic 50/50 Home Run Ball Breaks Records at Auction
Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers star, continues to shatter records both on and off the field. As Ohtani competes in the 2024 World Series, his memorabilia is making headlines, too. Recently, the baseball from his 50th home run of the season — a milestone that made him the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in one season — sold for an astonishing $4.39 million.
What Is the 50/50 Milestone?
Ohtani made history on September 19, 2024, becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. The milestone occurred during a three-homer, two-steal game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Miami Marlins. Of course, the achievement merely solidified Ohtani’s already legendary slugger status, which is marked by a number of insane stats from home runs to pitching.
How Much Did the Historic Baseball Sell For?
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The baseball from Ohtani’s 50th home run of the season was auctioned on Goldin, a renowned collectibles marketplace. On October 23, 2024, the ball sold for a record-breaking $4.39 million, making it the most expensive baseball ever sold. The sale surpassed all previous records for any ball in sports history, including Mark McGwire’s $3 million 70th home run ball from the 1998 season.
Godin did not identify the winning bidder.
“We received bids from around the world, a testament to the significance of this iconic collectible and Ohtani’s impact on sports, and I’m thrilled for the winning bidder,” Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of auctioneer Goldin Auctions, said in a statement.
Shohei’s Stellar 2024 Season
Beyond his 50/50 milestone, Ohtani’s 2024 season was filled with incredible feats. As a double threat, he has continued to dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter, finishing the regular season as a top contender for both the MVP and Cy Young awards. Ohtani’s ability to excel in multiple roles redefined what is possible in modern baseball, and he remains one of the few players capable of achieving such versatility at an elite level. In addition to his regular-season dominance, Ohtani’s influence extends internationally, with a massive following in both his native Japan and the U.S., making him one of the most marketable players in sports today.
How Did the Auction Unfold?
Known for handling high-profile memorabilia, Goldin has facilitated some of the most valuable sports auctions in history, including the sale of a 1952 Mickey Mantle card for $12.6 million and Michael Jordan’s 1997-98 Finals jersey for $10.1 million.
The auction for the 50/50 baseball began on September 27, 2024, with a starting bid of $500,000. Within the first three weeks, it surpassed $1.5 million, overtaking Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball, which sold for $1.5 million in December 2022. The Ohtani baseball became the most viewed and highest-priced item ever sold by Goldin — however, it wasn’t without controversy. A lawsuit challenging the rightful owner of the ball is currently underway, and the almost $4.4 million will be held in an account until the lawsuits are resolved.
What Other Memorabilia Is Available?
In addition to the 50th home run ball, Goldin will offer more Shohei Ohtani memorabilia in their October Legends Elite Auction. These items include the ball from his 51st home run hit the same night he reached the 50/50 milestone, his MLB debut game ball, and a signed 2018 Bowman chrome rookie card. Extended bidding for these items opens on November 2, 2024.