This enormous sale on the sports memorabilia market has stirred controversy as the ownership of Ohtani’s significant baseball is currently entangled in a legal dispute. An 18-year-old fan, Max Matus, has filed a lawsuit claiming he originally grabbed the ball but was overpowered and it was taken from him. However, all involved parties consented to continue with the auction. Goldin Auctions, handling the sale, assured bidders that ownership will be fully transferred. Ken Goldin, the auction house’s founder, expressed excitement over the global bidding competition that emphasized Ohtani's remarkable impact on the sport.

In addition to this milestone moments on the field, Ohtani, who signed a groundbreaking 10-year, £539.5m ($700m) contract with the Dodgers in 2023, stands among the highest-paid athletes globally. His deferred wage agreement allows for a competitive roster while still ensuring lucrative long-term earnings. As the Dodgers gear up for Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees this Friday, Ohtani's influence stretches both on and off the field.