Shohei Ohtani’s uniform from his bases-loaded home run in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) fetched a staggering $1,500,010, equivalent to approximately 2.27 billion Korean won or 240 million Japanese yen. This sale highlights the Los Angeles Dodgers star’s enduring appeal, even after Japan’s quarterfinal exit.
Auction Details
The jersey, worn during Japan’s matchup against the Dominican Republic at Tokyo Dome, drew intense interest on Major League Baseball’s (MLB) official auction site. The bidding started on January 16 Korean time, attracting over 300 collectors. It sold within just one week, underscoring Ohtani’s status as baseball’s top draw.
Record Surge Over Three Years
p>Three years prior, a similar Ohtani WBC uniform sold for $126,110, or about 190 million Korean won. The latest price marks a 12-fold increase, reflecting skyrocketing demand for memorabilia from the two-time MVP.
Ohtani’s WBC Focus
Ohtani joined the Dodgers on the recommendation of team officials but limited his WBC participation to hitting at manager Dave Roberts’ request, avoiding two-way play due to injury risks. He stated, “Now that I’m older, if I injure my elbow one more time amid the anxiety, two-way play might not happen.”
