Dodgers Introduce Shohei Ohtani

MLB Star Shohei Ohtani's 50th Home Run Ball Can Rake In More Than $300,000

Home / Sports / MLB Star Shohei Ohtani's 50th Home Run Ball Can Rake In More Than $300,000

By Afouda Bamidele on September 20, 2024 at 1:30 PM EDT
Updated on September 20, 2024 at 1:34 PM EDT

Shohei Ohtani is making headlines yet again—his 50th incredible home run ball could fetch over $300,000 at auction, setting a new benchmark for the MLB superstar's memorabilia. 

This anticipated windfall comes on the heels of another recent milestone, where Ohtani's 176th career home run ball was set to bring in a significant sum for one lucky fan.

Auction experts predict that Shohei Ohtani's latest piece of history will attract intense bidding. 

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Shohei Ohtani Makes History With 50 Home Runs And Stolen Bases

Shohei Ohtani speaks at a press conference
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A baseball fan's luck just struck gold, thanks to Ohtani's record-breaking 50th home run at LoanDepot Park. The lucky individual who snagged the ball in the stands is about to see a significant payday, as auction experts predict the memorabilia could sell for a staggering $300,000.

This was not just a home run but a moment that made baseball history. Ohtani became the first player ever to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. 

The game itself was one for the ages, with the 30-year-old dominating the field by racking up six hits, three home runs, four runs scored, ten RBIs, and two stolen bases.

According to David Kohler and the team at SCP Auctions, who spoke with TMZ, their initial evaluations suggest that the ball could command a hefty sum at auction.

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The exact figure could soar even higher depending on demand from collectors eager to own a piece of this moment in baseball history. The identity of the person who walked away with the prized ball remains unknown.

However, reports indicate that they discussed the matter with Dodgers officials before ultimately deciding to keep the ball.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers Player's Historic 50th Home Run Ignited The Stadium

Baseball fans witnessed history being made when Ohtani blasted his 50th home run, a moment MLB captured and shared on its X page. As the ball soared through the air, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar, celebrating the record-breaking feat. 

Ohtani's powerful swing sent the ball so high that cameras lost track of its final destination, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, eager to see who would snag the coveted keepsake.

The excitement did not stop there. The cheers grew louder as Ohtani rounded the bases, filling the stadium with energy. His triumphant dash to home plate was sealed with an emotional embrace from his teammates, Ohtani's face glowing with pure joy.

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The MLB's caption on their post summed it up perfectly as it read, "SHOHEI OHTANI HAS DONE IT. 50 HOME RUNS | 50 STOLEN BASES. HISTORY." 

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Fans Dub The Baseballer 'A Beast'

The MLB's post lit up with comments celebrating the momentous occasion, and the praise for Ohtani came in hot. One fan summed it up perfectly, exclaiming, "5 for 5 with 7 RBIs and 2 stolen bases LMAOOO what a beast!" 

Another fan could not help but marvel at Ohtani's power, adding, "Sheeeshhh that's a lot of homers," punctuated by a series of fire emojis.

But it was not just about the numbers. Many fans hailed Ohtani as the "greatest player of our time," with one supporter declaring, "I knew he would reach this number and set a record! The guy is exceptional! Congratulations and may many more great numbers come! Go Shohei!!" 

The love did not stop there. Calls for a statue at Dodger Stadium flooded in, with one fan urging, "Start construction of the statue at @Dodgers stadium immediately." Another simply stated, "YOU CAN'T HATE HIM. HE IS JUST TOO DAMN AWESOME."

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The Baseball Pitcher Previously Set A Record-Breaking Home Run Ball

LA Dodger Superstar Shohei Ohtani greets Press at Dodger Foundation Event
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This recent moment follows closely behind another significant milestone, where Ohtani's 176th career home run ball was also poised to earn a substantial amount for another fortunate fan.

Last month, The Blast revealed that Ohtani had shattered the record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player, a title previously held by Hideki Matsui.

The momentous ball landed in the hands of Jason Patino, who initially vowed to keep the treasure. However, the allure of its growing value became too tempting to resist.

Heritage Auctions confirmed that Patino, who caught the home run on April 21, had decided to auction off the coveted piece of baseball history. Experts estimated the ball could fetch around $200,000, making it a hot item for collectors. 

Bidding was set to begin on August 23, and given the ball's historical significance, the sports memorabilia community was expected to pay considerable attention to it.

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Shohei Ohtani's $700 Million Deal With Dodgers Paved The Way For Historic Home Run Record

Dodgers Introduce Shohei Ohtani
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Ohtani's record-breaking 176th career home run in April comes nearly a year after pledging to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In December, the professional athlete made headlines by signing a $700 million contract with the MLB team.

The news of his move to the Dodgers quickly went viral, with Ohtani himself taking to Instagram to share the announcement. 

The post garnered widespread support from fans and celebrities alike. Former baseball icon Alex Rodriguez was among the first to congratulate Ohtani, dropping a comment filled with fire emojis. 

WWE star Cassie Lee, known to fans as Peyton Royce, could not contain her excitement either, responding with a flurry of emojis. Even "Jackass" star Johnny Knoxville joined in, exclaiming, "Wahoo!!"

As the buzz around Shohei Ohtani's historic achievement grows, so does the anticipation of just how much this rare piece of sports memorabilia will fetch on the auction block.

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