What could be the value of Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball?

Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball is more than just another piece of memorabilia. It’s a symbol of a season that has captivated baseball fans and put Ohtani in a class all his own. This year, Ohtani became the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season, and that milestone is stirring up plenty of buzz about the value of the ball from his 50th blast.

Ken Goldin, one of the leading names in sports memorabilia, believes that Ohtani’s 50th home run ball could sell for as much as $250,000. It’s a steep price, but considering Ohtani’s unique global appeal and the unprecedented nature of his 50-50 season, it might be a bargain for collectors. Goldin says there would be fierce competition for any piece of history tied to Ohtani’s record, not just the ball. His bat or jersey from that game could fetch up to $500,000, Goldin estimates.

Comparisons to Aaron Judge’s memorabilia add more weight to these predictions. Judge’s 62nd home run ball from 2022, which set the American League record for most home runs in a season, sold for $1.25 million. While Judge’s chase for history was remarkable in its own right, Ohtani’s dual threat - power and speed - puts his achievement on another level entirely.

This season’s new rule changes around base stealing, such as larger bases and limits on pickoff attempts, have certainly given Ohtani a slight edge in the speed department. But even before these rules, he was known for his ability to swipe bags and hit bombs, with his previous career-high for steals set at 26 in 2021 when he also smashed 46 homers. These changes just amplified his ability to dominate every aspect of the game.

Ohtani’s value to the Dodgers, who signed him to a massive 10-year contract, goes beyond his salary. Even though most of the money is deferred, his impact on the field and his marketability have been a windfall for the team and Major League Baseball. Los Angeles has battled injuries throughout the season, with its pitching staff especially hit hard, but Ohtani has been a rock. He’s played nearly every game as their designated hitter and hasn’t missed a beat despite not pitching this season due to elbow surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts even hinted that Ohtani might be ready to throw again by the postseason, which could be a game-changer for the team’s pitching woes.

For now, though, Ohtani’s focus is on continuing his tear at the plate and on the bases. He already broke the all-time 43-43 record with his 50-50 achievement, and there’s no telling where he’ll stop. While Judge seems to have cooled off after hitting his 51st home run, Ohtani shows no signs of slowing down, making his 50th home run ball an even hotter commodity.

As the season winds down and Ohtani keeps racking up accolades, the real question might not be how much the ball will sell for, but how high the bids will go. Whether or not the final figure reaches $250,000, it’s clear that Ohtani’s value - both on and off the field - has no limits.