Ohtani's historic 50-50 baseball auctioned for nearly $4.4 million amid an ongoing ownership dispute

Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball has been sold at auction for nearly $4.4 million, setting a record not only for a baseball but for any ball across all sports, as announced by the auctioneer on Wednesday.

Ohtani has made history as the first player in baseball to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, reaching this remarkable milestone on September 19 when he hit his second of three home runs against the Miami Marlins.

"We received bids from across the globe, highlighting the importance of this iconic collectible and Ohtani's influence on the world of sports. I am delighted for the successful bidder," stated Ken Goldin, founder and CEO of Goldin Auctions.

The auction commenced on September 27 with an initial bid of $500,000 and concluded shortly after midnight on Wednesday. The auctioneer has refrained from disclosing any details regarding the identity of the winning bidder.

This auction has been complicated by ongoing litigation concerning the ownership of the ball. Christian Zacek exited Miami's LoanDepot Park with the ball after securing it in the left-field stands. Meanwhile, Max Matus and Joseph Davidov have each filed separate lawsuits claiming they were the first to obtain the ball.

All parties involved in the legal disputes have consented to allow the auction to proceed.

Matus's lawsuit asserts that he, a Florida resident celebrating his 18th birthday, possessed the Ohtani ball before Zacek took it from him.

In contrast, Davidov's suit contends that he "firmly and completely grabbed the ball in his left hand while it was on the ground, successfully obtaining possession of the 50/50 ball."

Ohtani and the Dodgers are currently preparing for Game 1 of the World Series, which is scheduled for Friday night.