Fan who caught Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run opts to stick with baseball: report


Los Angeles Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani made history Thursday night, becoming the first major league player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, but he won't have the home run ball to remember it by.

Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported that an unidentified fan decided to keep Ohtani's 50-50 baseball from the Dodgers' 20-4 rout. Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park on Thursday night.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with teammates after hitting a grand slam during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles on August 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

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Fans who collect historic baseballs typically return them to teams for a profit, but selling such an item on the market could prove more valuable.

According to MLB.com, By Aaron Judge The 62nd home run of the 2022 season sold for $1.5 million at auction. But the most expensive baseball ever sold was Mark McGwire's 70th home run baseball from the 1998 season. It sold the following year for $3 million.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates his Grand Slam

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles on August 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

DODGERS' SHOHEI OHTANI BECOMES FIRST IN MLB HISTORY WITH 50 HOME RUNS AND 50 STEALS IN A SINGLE SEASON

Mish noted that a special ball was used during Ohtani's at-bat, meaning the ball was authenticated.

Another fan came close to catching the ball (and possibly winning a large sum of money). The Marlins broadcast showed the fan out of his depth, missing the ball — not once, but twice. The man reached out after Ohtani drove the ball to the left side of the field and missed. But the ball bounced back, giving him another chance. He missed again.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates another home run

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates as he runs the bases after his solo home run during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 23, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Ohtani hit three home runs and stole two bases against Miami on his way to the mark. The win also secured a playoff spot for the Dodgers.

“It was something I wanted to get over as quickly as possible. And, you know, it's something I'll cherish for a long time,” Ohtani said through an interpreter after the game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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