Shohei Ohtani's historic 50th home run ball sells for record $4.39 million amid ownership dispute

Shohei Ohtani, a star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, made history by becoming the first MLB player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His 50th home run ball sold for a record $4.39 million at auction. This sale broke the previous record of $3 million for Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from 1998. The auction attracted global bids, highlighting Ohtani's significance in sports, according to auction house Goldin. There is an ongoing dispute over the ownership of the ball. Christian Zacek claims he took the ball from the stands, while two others, Max Matus and Joseph Davidov, assert they had possession first. All parties agreed to let the auction proceed despite the litigation.