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Fan who caught Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run chooses to keep playing baseball: report

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani made history Thursday night by becoming the first Major League player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. He won’t be able to remember it with the home run ball, though.

Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported that an unnamed fan decided to save Ohtani’s 50-50 baseball from the Dodgers’ 20-4 victory over the Miami Herald. Miami Marlins Thursday night at Depot Park.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates with teammates after hitting a grand slam in the ninth inning after beating the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles on August 23, 2024. (AP photo/Ashley Landis)

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Fans who catch historical baseballs usually return them to their teams in exchange for a nice bonus, but selling such an item on the market can be more valuable.

According to MLB.com, Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run hit during 2022 season sold for $1.5 million. But the most expensive baseball ever sold was Mark McGwire’s 70th home run baseball from 1998. It sold the following year for $3 million.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates slam

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates his grand slam in the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in Los Angeles on August 23, 2024. (AP photo/Ashley Landis)

DODGERS’ SHOHEI OHTANI BECOMES FIRST IN MLB HISTORY WITH 50 HOMERUNS, 50 STEALS IN A SEASON

Mish noted that a special ball was used during Ohtani’s at-bat, meaning the baseball was real.

Another fan came close to catching the baseball (and potentially a big payday). The Marlins broadcast showed the fan just out of reach and missing the ball — not once, but twice. The man reached over after Ohtani hit the ball to left field and missed it. But the baseball bounced, giving him another chance. He missed again.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates another home run

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates his victory while running the bases after hitting a solo home run in the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 23, 2024 in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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Ohtani hit three home runs and stole two bases against Miami en route to reaching the milestone. The win also secured the Dodgers a playoff spot.

“It was something I wanted to get over as quickly as possible. And you know, it’s something I’ll cherish for a long time,” Ohtani said through an interpreter after the game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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