Ohtani's 50th home run ball sells for nearly $4.4 million despite ownership disputes

Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball has sold at auction for nearly $4.4 million, setting a record for any sports ball. The auction closed early Wednesday after starting on September 27 with a $500,000 bid. The sale comes amid ongoing lawsuits over the ball's ownership. Christian Zacek claims he caught the ball, while Max Matus and Joseph Davidov assert they had possession first. All parties agreed to let the auction proceed despite the legal disputes. Ohtani made history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. He achieved this milestone on September 19 during a game against the Miami Marlins.