Ohtani's 50th Home Run Ball Sells for Record Price

Shohei Ohtani's historic 50th home run ball has been sold at auction for nearly $4.4 million, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for any sports ball. Ohtani achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a single season, hitting the ball on September 19. The auction, which began with a starting bid of $500,000 on September 27, attracted bids from around the world, highlighting the ball's significance. However, the sale is marred by ongoing legal disputes, with multiple individuals claiming ownership of the ball, complicating the sale and potentially affecting its final value. The winning bidder remains anonymous, but the auctioneer has noted the global interest in this iconic piece of memorabilia. As Ohtani prepares for the World Series, the intersection of sports history and legal drama continues to unfold.