Ohtani 50-50 Home Run Ball At Auction, '$4.5 Million to Buy Exclusive' U.S. Companies...Does it sell for the highest price ever?

Sep 26, 2024

LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani hits his 50th home run of the season in the top of the seventh inning against the Miami Marlins at Rondipo Park on the 20th (Korea time). AFP Yonhap News

Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 home run ball, whose whereabouts were unknown, will be auctioned off. Some predict that it could be sold at the highest price ever.

ESPN said on the 26th (Korea time) 'Otani's controversial 50-50 home run ball was entrusted to the collection marketplace Goldin. The auction will begin on the 28th,' the report said.

Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin, which organizes the Home Run Ball auction, told ESPN, `This is one of the easiest consignment ever. Ohtani hit 50 home runs on Friday, and we got a call from the man (who caught the ball) on Tuesday. He's been reaching out to us on social media, and on Monday he took a security guard down to Miami to meet with Goldin's representative before flying back Tuesday" he said.

ESPN said 'The current consignee's status remains anonymous, but his photos are posted online. Goldin said he had not spoken to any other auctioneer'

The man, who picked up a 50-50 home run ball, reportedly contacted the Dodgers once earlier. According to FOX Sports, the Dodgers offered $300,000 for the ball's value, but the man refused.

ESPN said 'The bid price for this home run ball, which is owned by eBay, is $500,000. Those wishing to purchase will have the opportunity to purchase the ball exclusively for $4.5 million from Sept. 28 to Oct. 10. However, if the $3 million mark is reached before Oct. 10, the closed-door bid will no longer be valid and stakeholders will have to compete for the Home Run Ball. The auction will then run until 1 p.m. on Oct. 16,' it said.

Shohei Otani hits his 50th home run of the season in the seventh inning against Miami on the 20th (Korea time). AFP Yonhap News

The minimum price of a 50-50 home run ball is $500,000, and the auction will end as it is if someone calls $4.5 million before October 10. However, if several people who have offered more than $3 million and less than $4.5 million appear by October 10, the auction will be held by extending one week after switching to public.

If a collector who wants to buy the ball for $4.5 million appears, he can set a record for the highest home run ball price ever.

The highest-priced home run ball ever sold was Mark McGuire's 70th ball of the season in 1998 and was auctioned for $3.05 million. In 2022, New York Yankees Aaron Judge's 62nd home run ball was sold for $1.5 million, the second most expensive ever.

CEO Goldin "This auction is best conducted as quickly as possible. Timing matters. The Dodgers advance to the playoffs, and Ohtani wins the MVP. During this period, Ohtani is imprinted in everyone's mind, so it is recommended that the auction be completed during this period. "What is very important to the client is the global influence that Goldin and eBay have."

As the auction is held for people around the world, it is an excellent opportunity for home run ball owners to sell the price as high as possible.

jhno@sportschosun.com