Shohei Ohtani made history during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ decisive 10-0 victory over the New York Mets with a two-run home run, setting a new record for the most home runs by a Japanese player in MLB history. Ohtani now boasts 176 home runs in his MLB career, surpassing the legendary Hideki Matsui, known for his tenure as a star with the New York Yankees.
Following his achievement, Ohtani expressed relief at putting the matter to rest and joy at hitting another home run. However, his elation was tempered as the fan who emerged victorious from a scramble in the stands at Dodger Stadium opted to keep the historic ball.
Where did the ball go?
Video footage captured several fans vying for the prized souvenir, and according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic, the fan who secured it decided to retain possession.
Con este cuadrangular Shohei alcanza los 176 vuela cercas en Las Mayores. pic.twitter.com/w91L20hbwr
— Los Dodgers (@LosDodgers) April 21, 2024
The MLB authenticated the ball, which holds significant value-Ohtani’s first home run ball was valued at $100,000, and fans typically receive minimal compensation when selling such memorabilia. The fan’s decision to keep the ball suggests hopes of fetching a higher price in the future.
“There are many people in the stands, and I’ve only hit a few home runs in front of Dodgers fans. I hope to hit dozens and hundreds more for Dodgers fans,” Shohei Ohtani said in a video posted via the Dodgers’ Twitter account. Ohtani’s record-breaking blast traveled an impressive 423 feet with an exit velocity of 110 mph, propelling the Dodgers to a 2-0 lead.
Andy Pages was handed the ball from his first career HR in the clubhouse as he spoke with reporters.
The fan who caught Shohei Ohtani’s homer No. 176 to pass Hideki Matsui opted to keep the ball, which was authenticated.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) April 21, 2024
Growing up in Japan, Ohtani admired and sought to emulate Matsui during the latter’s MLB prime. Reflecting on his achievement, Ohtani acknowledged that he wasn’t initially aware of the record when he began his MLB career but began to pay attention to it as he learned more about his standing compared to Matsui.
“Hideki Matsui was a phenomenal player, a prolific home run hitter, and a world champion,” remarked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “I know Shohei looked up to him, so for him to surpass that mark is a significant milestone. I’m confident that Shohei is determined to surpass every record ahead of him.”
Palabras de Shohei después de conectar su cuadrangular 176. pic.twitter.com/R9DNaeVp5W
— Los Dodgers (@LosDodgers) April 22, 2024
The home run was Ohtani’s fifth in his first 24 games with the Dodgers, setting his sights on surpassing manager Dave Roberts’ record of seven home runs for the team. “I aim to break my manager’s record,” Ohtani declared.
