Shohei Ohtani 300th Home Run Ball Sells for $44,000 at Auction

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, has been making headlines with historic achievements and impressive performances. On June 24, Ohtani hit the 300th home run of his professional career, combining his 48 home runs from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball with 252 in MLB, marking a significant milestone celebrated by fans and collectors alike. The ball from this milestone home run, caught by Rockies superfan Emily Sauvageau at Coors Field, was auctioned for over $36,000 to help fund her and her brother’s future, highlighting the personal impact of Ohtani’s feats beyond the field. Ohtani continues to excel this season, leading the National League with 43 home runs and holding the lowest-ever odds (+110) to hit a home run in an ESPN BET player prop, reflecting bettors’ confidence in his power hitting, especially at hitter-friendly Coors Field. Meanwhile, Sauvageau, who has attended 837 Rockies games and comes from a family with deep baseball roots, balanced her excitement about catching the ball with practical considerations, choosing to auction it as a college student. Ohtani’s blend of pitching and hitting dominance continues to captivate fans and collectors, reinforcing his unique status in baseball history.