The ball that marks Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run was sold at auction for almost $4.4 million, setting a record not only in baseball, but in any sport, the auctioneer confirmed this Wednesday.
Ohtani has proclaimed himself the first baseball player to reach 50 home runs and bases in the same season, achieving this feat on September 19, when he hit his second of three home runs against the Marlins, playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“We received bids from around the world, a testament to the significance of this iconic collectible and Ohtani’s impact on the sport, and I am thrilled for the winner,” Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of the house, said in a statement. Goldin Auctions betting shop.
The auction began on September 27 for $500,000 and closed shortly before midnight on Wednesday. The auctioneer indicated that he could not provide information about the winner.
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Three people claim to own Ohtani’s ball
Despite the positive side of the record for Ohtani and the success of the auction, the latter was overshadowed by a dispute over the ownership of the ball, since a first version states that Christian Zacek left Miami’s LoanDepot Park with it after catching it in left field stands, but Max Matus and Joseph Davidov declared they had possession of the ball earlier.
According to Matus’ lawsuit, he, a Florida resident, had the ball first while celebrating his 18th birthday, before Zacek took it from him. For his part, Davidov maintains that he took firm possession of the ball with his left hand while it was on the ground, claiming 50% ownership.
Ohtani and the Dodgers are ready for the first game of the World Series, which begins Friday.
With agency information
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