The sphere that propelled Shohei Ohtani to the exclusive ranks of MLB’s 50/50 association is now officially being put up for auction.
Goldin unveiled that the much-coveted baseball will be auctioned off on Friday at noon ET, commencing with an opening bid of $500,000. In a post on social media, Ken Goldin, the eponymous CEO, exhibited “the sphere that has caught everyone’s attention and interest.”
Enclosed within a transparent casing and with a visible verification seal, the sphere was initially launched into the upper deck in left field during the seventh inning when Miami Marlins reliever Mike Baumann delivered a pivotal curveball. The individual who ultimately secured the sphere amidst an intense scramble opted not to surrender it to the Dodgers.
In the record-breaking match on September 18, the two-time American League MVP tallied a staggering 6-for-6 performance, including three home runs and two doubles, 10 RBIs, and two stolen bases—all as part of a dominating 20-4 victory over the Marlins.
“Ohtani undeniably stands out, with the 50-50 feat possibly marking his pinnacle achievement,” remarked Goldin in a declaration. “This represents a fragment of baseball’s history that fans and historians worldwide will reminisce about for generations to come.”
The designated hitter for the Dodgers had already enhanced his allure among collectors, evident through the exclusive arrangement he inked with Topps over the summer. Goldin pondered upon the worth of Ohtani collectibles, expressing to Sportico post-game that “his commodities are incredibly sought-after globally owing to his broad appeal. The bat, jersey, and home run sphere he employed in achieving this milestone would unquestionably attract significant interest and demand.”
It’s reasonable to presume that the surge in demand has had a positive impact on the valuation of the sphere itself in the week following Ohtani’s display in Miami. Initially, Goldin approximated that the bat and sphere from his 50th homer could command $250,000, while Ohtani’s No. 17 jersey might fetch as much as $500,000.
Image Credit: shoheiohtani@Instagram
