Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter, has made history by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball (MLB) to achieve the remarkable feat of hitting 50 home runs and stealing 50 bases in a single season. His milestone 50th home run, hit on September 19 against the Miami Marlins, is set to be auctioned starting Friday, according to Goldin Auctions.

Ohtani's record-breaking home run not only clinched his 50-50 status but also helped the Dodgers secure a playoff berth, marking a significant moment in Ohtani's MLB career. The auction for the historic ball will commence with a starting bid of $500,000. Prospective buyers have an additional option: they can purchase the ball outright for $4.5 million between Friday and October 9. However, if bidding exceeds $3 million before the deadline, the option for private purchase will be revoked, and bidders must compete in the auction. Extended bidding is scheduled to begin on October 16.

The authenticated ball features the signature of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and shows faint black marks, likely from the impact of the bat. Goldin Auctions is also listing Ohtani’s 40th home run ball, which contributed to his earlier 40-40 achievement in August, with current bidding at $37,100.

Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions, highlighted the rarity of Ohtani's achievement, noting that he is truly one of a kind and that the 50-50 record may be his crowning achievement. He remarked that this ball represents a piece of baseball history that fans and historians around the world will remember for decades to come.

With his accomplishments drawing attention, Ohtani’s milestone ball is expected to attract significant interest, reflecting both his unprecedented achievements and the growing value of memorabilia in the sports market.