Imagine baseballs changing hands for hundreds of thousands of dollars! It's not a fantasy; it's reality for a few lucky Dodgers fans and collectors. Recently, a treasure trove of Los Angeles Dodgers memorabilia went under the hammer at SCP Auctions in California, fetching a staggering total of just under $900,000.
The stars of the show? The home run balls from that unforgettable 2025 World Series Game 7. But here’s where it gets interesting: The tying and winning home run balls were both caught by a father-and-son duo, John and Matthew Bains, adding an extra layer of heartwarming story to the already historic game. Imagine being that dad and son!
Specifically, Miguel Rojas' Game 7-tying home run ball commanded a price of $156,000. Not to be outdone, Will Smith's Game 7-winning home run ball sold for $168,000. Keep in mind, these prices already include the buyer's premium – essentially a fee added on top of the winning bid. And this is the part most people miss: these premiums can significantly inflate the final cost.
But the Dodgers' auction excitement didn't stop there. Shohei Ohtani, the modern-day Babe Ruth, also had a piece of the action. His 2025 National League Championship Series Game 4 home run ball – the one that soared out of Dodger Stadium – brought in a cool $270,000, premium included.
And speaking of Ohtani, a bat he wielded during his incredible 2024 50/50 MVP season (50 home runs AND 50 stolen bases!) also found a new home. This wasn't just any bat; it was photo-matched by PSA Photo Match to five different home runs hit during a blistering 12-game stretch between late August and early September. The final price? A hefty $300,000, including the premium.
For years, some collectors felt that Ohtani's memorabilia was undervalued. But it seems those days are over. Ohtani is finally getting the recognition – and the price tags – he deserves in the collectibles market. Just look at this: His first $1 million card sale happened in March when a collector shelled out $1.067 million for a one-of-a-kind, autographed card featuring the MLB logo patch cut from Ohtani's pants worn while hitting his 49th, 50th, and 51st home runs of the 2024 season. Talk about specific! Another one-of-one signed Ohtani card sold for $542,900 earlier this month, further solidifying his status as a hot commodity.
However, it’s not all clear skies for Ohtani memorabilia. Boldly highlighting a point that could spark differing opinions: The ownership of Ohtani's 50/50 home run ball – the one that Taiwanese investment company UC Capital paid a record-breaking $4.39 million for last October – is still tied up in legal battles. There's even a dispute over the correct spelling of one of the original claimants' names! The case is ongoing in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Florida court, with the next hearing scheduled for January 13th. This serves as a stark reminder: even in the high-stakes world of sports collectibles, disputes can arise.
So, what do you think? Is this surge in value for Ohtani memorabilia justified, or is it just hype? And what's the most you'd ever consider spending on a piece of sports history? Let us know in the comments!
