Ohtani's 50th home run ball sells for record $4.39 million
A baseball hit by Shohei Ohtani for his 50th home run sold for a record $4.39 million, according to auction house Goldin. This sale surpasses the previous record of $3.05 million for Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball. Ohtani's achievement makes him the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His historic home run occurred during a game on September 19, where he had an impressive performance. The fan who caught the ball declined a $300,000 offer from the Dodgers before selling it at auction. Ohtani's performance also helped the Dodgers secure a postseason berth, marking his first trip to the MLB playoffs.