Two weeks after Shohei Ohtani’s memorable NLCS Game 4 performance, the fan who snatched his second home-run ball has already decided to sell the precious part of history.
In addition to recording three home runs for a combined 1,342 feet, Ohtani dominated on the mound and pitched six scoreless innings with ten strikeouts. The Dodgers’ designated hitter and pitcher also got on base five times and helped LA clinch a second consecutive World Series appearance.
SCP Auctions, which will sell the ball next month at its Fall Premier, said it predicts it will sell for seven figures because of Ohtani’s stellar performance and worldwide popularity.
Carlo Mendoza managed to get the ball after it flew 469 feet into the bushes outside of Dodger Stadium. The ball sailed over the roof of the right field pavilion, and nearby Mendoza quickly jumped into action.
“As I was taking a bite of my nachos, I saw Ohtani hit his second homer,” Mendoza said. “Then I see a guy in front of me look up, and I think, ‘No way the ball comes out here.’ Next thing I know, it bounces off the roof and into the bushes.”
Mendoza wasn’t the only one in the stadium who couldn’t believe his eyes.
“They said it went 469 feet,” said Dodgers third-baseman Max Muncy. “That’s wrong. That ball was at least 500 feet. That’s the farthest ball I’ve ever seen hit.”
The Dodgers have already placed a plaque inside the stadium to commemorate the historic home run.
Ohtani’s first home run went 446 feet into right field and was the first time a starting pitcher recorded a leadoff home run in MLB history. His second homer came in the seventh inning and flew 427 feet into left field.
SCP Auctions sold Freddie Freeman’s 2024 World Series walk-off grand slam ball for $1.56 million in December 2024, one reason why they think that Ohtani’s ball will sell for about the same figure.
Freeman’s ball sold for more than Aaron Judge’s 62nd home-run ball, which was purchased for $1.5 million at auction in December 2022. The all-time record is held by Mark McGwire’s 70th home-run ball that sold for $3 million in 1999.
SCP Auctions said Ohtani’s ball can be bid on starting Nov. 5 and will be sold on Nov. 22.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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