A fan who secured Shohei Ohtani’s historic 50th home run ball reportedly turned down a significant offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Ohtani, the $700 million superstar and frontrunner for the 2024 National League MVP, made MLB history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. The milestone was achieved during a game against the Miami Marlins, where Ohtani capped off a stunning performance with three home runs, including the landmark 50th.
The historic homer sent fans into a frenzy as the ball ricocheted into the stands after bouncing through the bullpen. One fortunate fan managed to snag the ball and quickly left the stadium, realizing its immense value.
Craig Mish, a reporter covering the Marlins, revealed that the fan opted to hold onto the ball rather than return it to the Dodgers. According to Andy Slater, a host on South Florida’s FoxSports640, the Dodgers offered the unidentified fan $300,000 for the prized souvenir, but the offer was declined.
As social media users on X suggested, the Dodgers may need to increase their offer to secure the ball, as the value of historic sports memorabilia continues to soar. Just last month, a Babe Ruth jersey sold for a staggering $24 million at auction.
While Ohtani’s 50/50 ball might not reach that level, it’s clear the fan who caught it could be in for a significant payday.
