Man Who Caught Home Run Ball Keeps It Instead of Returning to Team
"Cultural Significance Is Limited but Star Power Compensates," Experts Predict
The home run ball of Shohei Ohtani of the LA Dodgers, who became the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season, is expected to be valued between at least $300,000 (about 400 million KRW) and $500,000 (about 660 million KRW).
On the 19th (local time), Ohtani started as the designated hitter in the visiting game against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. He hit his 49th home run in the top of the 6th inning, extending the score to 12-3, and then hit his 50th home run in the top of the 7th inning. At that moment, a man caught the ball as it fell under the table. In cases where the home run ball has special significance, the fan who catches it usually returns it to the team or the player. However, this man reportedly left the stadium without returning the ball to the team.
Since Ohtani’s home run ball marks the first-ever 50-50 record in MLB history, it is expected to have very high value. Dylan Collier of 'SCP Auctions' said in an interview with NBC Local, “The price of Ohtani’s home run ball could be over $300,000 (about 400 million KRW), and it wouldn’t be surprising if it exceeds $500,000 (about 660 million KRW).”
However, there is also a forecast that the value of Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is at its peak right now. Collier added, “I think there will be many collectors and fans who want to own the ball, so it should be put on the market as soon as possible.”
The sports media outlet 'The Athletic' explained, “Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball, which set the American League (AL) record in 2022, sold at auction for $1.5 million (about 2 billion KRW), and Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball from 1998 was auctioned for $3.05 million (about 4 billion KRW), still holding the highest price record.” They added, “Ohtani’s 50 home runs is an amazing achievement, but it does not carry the cultural significance like McGwire’s or Judge’s home run records.” However, they noted, “His star power might compensate for this,” making it difficult to immediately assign a value.
Additionally, some analysts suggest that if collectors from not only the U.S. but also Japan enter the auction and compete, the home run ball could be sold for a much higher price than expected.
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