Shohei Ohtani made baseball history by becoming the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His historic 50th home run ball is now going up for auction, sparking excitement among baseball fans and collectors alike.
Ohtani’s Historic Feat: The Dodgers 50/50 Record
- Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers superstar, achieved a remarkable milestone in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, entering the exclusive 50/50 club—50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
- Ohtani’s feat came during a spectacular game against the Miami Marlins, where he hit three home runs and stole two bases, amassing a career-high six hits and 10 RBIs.
- Many consider this performance to be one of the greatest single offensive games in baseball history.
The Auction of the 50th Home Run Ball
- The 50th home run ball Ohtani hit is going up for auction on Friday through Goldin Auctions, a premier auction house specializing in sports memorabilia.
- The starting bid for this legendary ball is $500,000, with the opportunity for buyers to purchase it outright for $4.5 million until October 9. If the bid reaches $3 million, the buy-now option will be removed.
- The ball features black scuff marks and an authenticated MLB hologram for authenticity, making it a prized collectible.
Who Caught the Ball?
- The fan who caught Ohtani’s 50th home run ball has chosen to remain anonymous, though images of the person have surfaced online.
- Initially, the Dodgers reportedly offered the fan $300,000 for the ball, but this offer was declined, according to Goldin Auctions.
Historic Value of the Ball
- The baseball world has seen some historic auctions in the past. Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball sold for $3.05 million in 1999, making it the highest price paid for a baseball.
- Other notable sales include Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball, which sold for $1.5 million, and Barry Bonds’ 73rd home run ball.
- The auction for Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is expected to garner significant attention, potentially setting new records for baseball memorabilia.
Ohtani’s Legacy in Baseball
- Shohei Ohtani has become a once-in-a-lifetime player, drawing comparisons to legends such as Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds. His versatility and skill as both a hitter and pitcher have redefined what’s possible in the game.
- This 50/50 record may become one of the defining achievements of his career, cementing his place in baseball history.
Dodgers’ Playoff Drama: Padres’ Historic Triple Play
- In a tense game against the San Diego Padres, the Dodgers were denied a potential comeback win when the Padres turned a game-ending triple play, securing their playoff berth.
- The triple play, initiated by a grounder hit to Manny Machado, marked the third game-ending triple play in the wild-card era and the first to clinch a playoff spot.
FAQs
1. How much is Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball expected to sell for?
- The starting bid is $500,000, with a potential buy-now option of $4.5 million.
2. Who is auctioning the home run ball?
- The ball is being auctioned by Goldin Auctions, a leading auction house for sports memorabilia.
3. Why is Ohtani’s 50/50 record significant?
- Shohei Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, a remarkable feat that no other player has accomplished.
4. Has any player hit 50 home runs and stolen 50 bases before?
- No, Ohtani is the first in MLB history to achieve this rare milestone.
5. How much was Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball sold for?
- Judge’s 62nd home run ball was sold for $1.5 million.
6. What’s the record price for a home run ball at auction?
- The record price is $3.05 million, paid for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball.
7. Who caught Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball?
- The fan who caught the ball has chosen to remain anonymous.
8. How many times has a game-ending triple play occurred in MLB?
- Only three game-ending triple plays have occurred in the wild-card era.
9. When will the auction for Ohtani’s ball end?
- Bidding will be extended if necessary and could conclude on October 16.
10. Why is Shohei Ohtani considered a unique player?
- Ohtani is a rare two-way player excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter, making him a standout talent in MLB history.
Also Read: Mercury vs Lynx: Everything You Need to Know About Game 2 in WNBA Playoffs
