Shohei Ohtani Greets Press at Dodger Foundation Event

MLB Star Shohei Ohtani's History Making 50/50 Home Run Ball Could Hit 8-Figure Sum On Auction

Home / Sports / MLB Star Shohei Ohtani's History Making 50/50 Home Run Ball Could Hit 8-Figure Sum On Auction

By Afouda Bamidele on October 22, 2024 at 9:45 AM EDT

Shohei Ohtani's historic 50th home run ball is poised to make even more waves at auction, with experts predicting it could fetch over $10 million.

The value of this rare piece of baseball history of '50 home runs and 50 stolen bases' has soared as he continues to make headlines with his incredible performance. 

This staggering estimate comes after Shohei Ohtani's ball was initially expected to bring in around $300,000 when the MLB superstar hit the milestone back in September.

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Shohei Ohtani's 50th Home Run Ball Could Make Auction History

Shohei Ohtani at the Dodgers vs Brewers game on AUG 12
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Ohtani's record-setting 50th home run ball has already garnered over $2 million in bids. Experts predict it could hit a staggering $10 million when bidding closes Tuesday night. 

Auction expert Ken Goldin, whose auction house is handling the sale, believes the ball's value could skyrocket in the final hours. He pointed to Ohtani's unmatched international fame and the historic significance of the game as key factors that could push the ball into eight-figure territory.

"It wouldn't blow my mind. If some foreign bidder put this to eight figures and it topped $10 million," Goldin explained to TMZ Sports. With Ohtani's global fanbase and his awe-inspiring season, the mementois poised to become a major collector's prize. 

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The MLB Star's Home Run Ball Lawsuit Drama Did Not Stop Auction 

Dodgers Introduce Shohei Ohtani
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Ohtani's iconic 50th home run ball nearly slipped through buyers' hands, but thanks to a legal settlement, the coveted piece of baseball history is now back up for grabs. 

A lawsuit briefly stalled the auction, but Goldin managed to strike a deal with the plaintiffs, allowing the sale to move forward. This also opened the door for eager bidders, including Ohtani himself.

While the 30-year-old has not indicated any plans to bid, Goldin confirmed that Ohtani has the same opportunity as anyone else to try to secure the memento. As of now, Ohtani and his team have reportedly stayed quiet on the matter.

The auction is slated to end at 7 PM, but it could stretch on for hours or even days, depending on last-minute bids. 

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The Dodgers Hitter's Historic 50/50 Home Run Sent Fans Into Frenzy 

ICYMI, the superstar athlete made baseball history on Sept. 19 when he launched his 50th home run over the left field wall in an electrifying game against the Marlins. 

The moment, which marked Ohtani's unprecedented 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, was perfectly captured by MLB's X post captioned:

"SHOHEI OHTANI HAS DONE IT. 50 HOME RUNS | 50 STOLEN BASES. HISTORY."

As the ball sailed through the air, fans erupted in a deafening roar, knowing they were witnessing a record-breaking milestone. Cameras struggled to follow the ball's incredible trajectory, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who would claim the prized keepsake.

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Ohtani's triumphant round of the bases fueled even more excitement, with the stadium buzzing as his teammates greeted him at home plate. His face lit up with joy, capping off one of the most unforgettable moments in baseball history.

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A Lucky Fan Was Set For $300,000 Payday With Shohei Ohtani's 50th Home Run Ball

Shohei Ohtani hitting during Dodgers vs Rockies June 17
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Before the recent surge in the auction price, a baseball fan hit the jackpot after catching Ohtani's record-breaking home run ball. At the time, the ball was initially predicted to fetch around $300,000. 

David Kohler and his team at SCP Auctions, who spoke with TMZ, revealed that initial evaluations suggest the ball could command a huge sum at auction. 

Depending on collector demand, the final price could soar beyond expectations. The identity of the fortunate fan remained a mystery, but they reportedly consulted with Dodgers officials before deciding to keep the coveted ball. 

Inside The Baseball Star's Luxury Living

LA Dodger Superstar Shohei Ohtani greets Press at Dodger Foundation Event
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Before making headlines with his historic home run, Ohtani seemed to be planning for success by purchasing a stunning modern mansion in La Cañada Flintridge for nearly $8 million. 

The Blast reported in May that an anonymous insider confirmed that he was indeed the buyer of the luxurious property. Located just 13 miles from Dodger Stadium, Ohtani's new home offers him a convenient 20-minute commute to the ballpark. 

The $7.85 million sale marked one of the highest transactions in the foothill community. The previous owner, comedian Adam Carolla, originally listed the estate for $8.99 million last summer, but a price drop in October brought it down to $8.35 million. 

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With the potential for bids to exceed $10 million, the anticipation surrounding this sale highlights Shohei Ohtani's remarkable impact on the game.

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