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Report: Fan who caught Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run decides to stick with baseball

Los Angeles Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani made history Thursday night when he became the first major league player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, but he will miss the home run ball as a reminder.

Craig Mish of the Miami Herald reported that an unidentified fan decided to keep Ohtani's 50-50 baseball from the Dodgers' 20-4 win. Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, Thursday evening.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates

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

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Fans who catch historic balls typically return them to their teams for a premium, but selling such an item on the market could prove even more valuable.

According to MLB.com, Aaron Judges The 62nd home run of the 2022 season was sold at auction for $1.5 million. However, the most expensive baseball ever sold was Mark McGwire's 70th home run baseball from the 1998 season. It sold the following year for $3 million.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates Slam

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

DODGERS PLAYER SHOHEI OHTANI IS THE FIRST IN MLB HISTORY WITH 50 HOME RUNS AND 50 STEALS IN A SINGLE SEASON

Mish noted that a special ball was used in Ohtani's hit, meaning the baseball was authenticated.

Another fan nearly caught the ball (and potentially scored a big win). The Marlins broadcast showed the fan missing the ball just out of reach – not once, but twice. The man reached out after Ohtani hit the ball to the left side of the field and missed. But the ball bounced, giving him another chance. He missed again.

Shohei Ohtani celebrates another home run

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

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

“It was something I wanted to get over with as quickly as possible. And you know, it's something I'm going to remember for a very long time,” Ohtani said after the game through an interpreter.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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By Vanessa

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