The grand slam ball hit by Freddie Freeman in the 10th inning of Game 1 of the 2024 World Series has sold for $1.56 million at an auction hosted by SCP Auctions on Saturday. The ball, which marked the first-ever walk-off grand slam in World Series history, drew 22 bids from collectors worldwide and became the third most expensive baseball ever sold, surpassing Aaron Judge’s record-breaking 62nd home run ball from 2022. The auction lasted nearly three hours past its scheduled end, highlighting the global interest in this moment of baseball history.
Freeman’s grand slam came off a first-pitch strike from Nestor Cortes, flying 413 feet into the right-field stands at Dodger Stadium. Battling an ankle injury, Freeman’s hit turned the tide in the pivotal series. The ball was retrieved by 10-year-old Zachary Ruderman, who was attending the game with his family. Initially there for what they thought was a routine braces removal, Zachary called the day “the best of my life.” The Rudermans expressed hope that the ball would be displayed at Dodger Stadium for fans to appreciate its significance.
This sale is the second major Dodgers-related ball to make headlines this season. Earlier, the ball from Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting 50th home run and 50th stolen base season fetched nearly $4.4 million, setting a record for any sports ball sale. While that ball is now displayed in Taiwan, Freeman’s iconic grand slam ball remains a celebrated piece of Los Angeles sports history.
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