Ohtani became the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit 50 home runs and 50 steals in a single season, accomplishing the feat on September 19 after the Los Angeles Dodgers star hit the second of his three home runs against the Miami Marlins.
“We received bids from all over the planet, a testament to the importance of this iconic collectible and Ohtani’s impact on the sport, and I am thrilled for the individual who won the bid. “, declared Ken Goldin, the founder and president of operations of ‘Goldin Auctions’ in a press release.
The auction began on September 27 with an initial bid of $500,000, and concluded at the stroke of midnight on Wednesday. The auctioneer said he could not provide any information regarding the individual who won the bid.
This auction was, however, overshadowed by the legal dispute surrounding the identity of the owner of the ball.
Christian Zacek left Miami’s LoanDepot Park in possession of the ball, after grabbing it in the popular stands in left field. Max Matus and Joseph Davidov allege in two separate lawsuits that they were the first to get their hands on it.
All parties involved in this dispute have agreed that the auction should continue.
Matus’ suit alleges that the Florida resident — who was celebrating his 18th birthday — grabbed the ball before it was taken from him by Zacek.
For his part, Davidov alleges in his suit that he was able to “completely grasp the ball with his left hand while it was on the ground, confirming that he is the true owner of the 50/ 50”.
Ohtani and the Dodgers are preparing for Game 1 of the World Series, which takes place Friday night.
