Fan Who Left Dodger Stadium With Shohei Ohtani’s 40th Home Run Ball Reveals Offers From Bidders

Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani made history — again.

On Friday, Ohtani entered the Dodgers’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays with 39 home runs and 39 stolen bases. After stealing a base earlier in the game, his walk-off homer in the ninth inning made Ohtani the sixth MLB player and the first Dodger ever to join the 40/40 club.

The home run ball bounced back onto the field, but Rays center fielder Jose Siri threw the ball back into the crowd. Considering the value of Ohtani’s 40th home run ball, it was likely a chaotic pursuit for the history-making ball.

One lucky fan in attendance, Troy Buenteo, claims to have been able to get his hands on the ball. Now, bidders have swarmed Buentueo with lucrative offers for the history-making souvenir.

“Nothing over six digits, but definitely over five digits,” Buenteo told Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain on the Dodgers Dougout YouTube show. “I told them I would announce to everybody what the actual bids were [and] offers were.”

Although videos have surfaced of fans trying to get the ball, no video yet has definitively identified Buenteo grabbing the ball. Getting the ball professionally authenticated would significantly increase its value. Authentication would serve as proof that the ball is from Ohtani’s 40th homer. But, the process of getting a ball authenticated can be pricey.

“I have pursued getting the baseball authenticated through a private agency, and not sure what the cost will be for it, but I know it’ll be a lot more than what I’ve already been offered,” Buenteo said. “But, I know, if I don’t get it authenticated, I’m losing [money]. Whatever I got to spend on the authentication, I’d make it back with it being authenticated.”

Despite the immense profit Buenteo could make off the ball, he is unsure if he wants to part ways with the ball that marked a once-in-a-generation feat.

“I don’t know if I want to sell it or not. I don’t know if I want to auction it,” Buenteo said. “But, I know whatever ends up being the case, it’s best to get it authenticated. So, that’s what I’m going to do.”

In any event, the home run ball will provide Buenteo with a wealth of money or memories.

Photo Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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