Watch: Shohei Ohtani's historic 50-50 home run ball goes on display at Taiwan's iconic Taipei Tower
Shohei Ohtani's iconic 50-50 home run ball which was recently bought at an auction for record fees for baseball memorabilia, was put on public display for the first time. The prized piece was unveiled at the Taipei Tower's 89th building as part of an exhibition.
Ohtani's first year with the LA Dodgers was a memorable one. Even though he wasn't able to show his two-way prowess, as an injury restricted him from pitching, he had one of the best power-speed seasons of all time. He became the first player ever to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases and capped it off by winning the World Series.
His 50th home run to inaugurate the 50-50 club came against the Miami Marlins on Sept. 19. The ball which initially had a base price of $500,000 under Goldin Auctions, eventually sold for $4.392 million. It was bought by the Taiwanese investment firm UC Capital, based in the Taipei 101 building.
The ball is part of the "Dreams Fly High" exhibition and any visitor is allowed to take a look at it if they have a ticket to the Taipei 101 Observatory. The exhibition also features a jersey, cap and an autograph of Ohtani brought in on loan from other sports collectors.
Shohei Ohtani's 50-50 home run ball exhibition aimed for charity
When UC Capital purchased the ball from Goldin Auctions, it knew the value it would hold for baseball fans around the world.
"Shohei Ohtani's influence on baseball around the world will continue to rise in the future, and we firmly believe that this decision is full of significance." -UC Capital said in a statement on Oct. 25.
The exhibition is looking to help and inspire local baseball players. As per Taiwan News, it has raised more than $300,000 with $62,700 coming from Taipei 101 Tower. It will be available for fans until March 2.
Shohei Ohtani's offensive prowess won him a Silver Slugger award. The Dodgers DH finished in the top two in batting average, RBIs and home runs in the National League. He also has two other Silver Slugger awards from 2021 and 2023, and he is the sixth DH in history to win it three or more times.