Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball, which cemented his record-setting 50-homer, 50-steal season, has been placed on display at Taipei 101 after Taiwanese investment firm UC Capital paid a record $4.392 million for the ball last month.
The ball made its public debut Wednesday, according to United News Daily, and is displayed on the 89th floor of the skyscraper as part of the “Dreams Fly High” exhibition, featuring an Ohtani jersey and cap, in addition to memorabilia from Taiwanese baseball players Chin-feng Chen, the first Taiwanese player to make it to the MLB, and Chien-Ming Wang.
Security guards oversaw Shohei Ohtani's 50/50 home run ball while it was on display at the Dream High Exhibition in Taiwan ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/gTFMqOpGiI
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Interviewed for the exhibit’s launch, Jin-feng said of Ohtani, "He is not from this world, he comes from outer space."
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The exhibition is part of a fundraiser for baseball in Taiwan, with the building, Taipei 101, donating more than $60,000 in addition to myriad other businesses, which have raised a combined $247,000 so far, according to Taiwan News.
Taipei 101 Chair Chia Yeong-chieh said the ball represents the “priceless spirit” that can act as inspiration for young Taiwanese athletes, saying the exhibition shows Taiwan’s love for the sport and can act as an attraction for Japanese tourists to the country.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.