Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball sells for record $4.39 million

Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball sold for a record $4.39 million, making it the highest price ever paid for a sporting ball. The previous record was $3 million for Mark McGwire's 70th homer in 1998. The ball's sale followed a legal dispute over its ownership. Max Matus claimed he was the rightful owner, but the parties involved agreed to allow the sale while the lawsuits are resolved. The sale proceeds will be held in an account until the matter is settled. Ohtani's historic achievement occurred on September 19, 2024, when he became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season. The sale took place just before the World Series, where Ohtani's team, the Dodgers, will face the Yankees.