Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball, marking his historic 50-50 season, sold for a record $4.39 million at auction, the highest price for any sports ball. The sale was conducted by Goldin Auctions amidst a legal dispute over the ball's ownership. Several individuals claimed initial possession of the ball, leading to lawsuits, but an agreement allowed the auction to proceed with proceeds held until ownership is resolved. Meanwhile, Ohtani has joined the Los Angeles Dodgers on a $700 million contract, playing a pivotal role in drawing international attention and boosting the team's profile. The Dodgers, who also signed pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, have had a successful season and are set to face the New York Yankees in the 2024 World Series. This matchup marks their 12th World Series face-off, continuing a long history of thrilling encounters between two storied franchises.