Shohei Ohtani's Historic 50-50 Baseball Sells for Record $4.39M Amid Ownership Dispute

The baseball, marking Ohtani's unprecedented 50 home runs and 50 steals in a season, was auctioned despite ongoing legal battles over its rightful owner.

The ball set a new record for the highest price ever paid for any sports ball, surpassing the previous $3.05 million record for a Mark McGwire home run ball.
The auction, conducted by Goldin Auctions, used a 'soft' closing method, extending the bidding period and significantly increasing the final sale price.
The ownership of the ball is contested, with multiple parties claiming possession after a chaotic scramble in the stands during the game.
An agreement was reached to allow the auction to proceed, with the proceeds held under court jurisdiction until ownership is legally determined.
Shohei Ohtani's achievement of 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season is unprecedented in Major League Baseball history.