By Reinaldo Oliveros
Dec 16, 2024, 08:26 AM EST
The ball from the memorable grand slam of Freddie Freeman in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series was auctioned for $1.56 million, SCP Auctions confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday.
Although the identity of the buyer was not revealed, the value achieved reflects the significance of that moment in baseball history.
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freeman hit the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history during the tenth inning, with the bases loaded and two outs, against Cuban Néstor Cortés, of the New York Yankees.
The hit, which traveled 413 feet to the right field pavilion, sealed the Dodgers’ 6-3 victory and marked the beginning of a series that the Los Angeles team won in five games, securing its franchise’s eighth championship.
Freeman’s achievement was even more impressive because he played with a sprained right ankle, which did not prevent him from being named MVP of the World Series.
The boy behind the historic ball
The ball was picked up by Zachary Ruderman, a 10-year-old boy who lives in Los Angeles, after it rolled to his feet in the stands.
Zachary, accompanied by his father Nico, had been surprised that day when he was taken to Dodger Stadium after a change of plans: originally he was going to leave school early to remove his braces.
The moment captured the attention of fans, adding a familiar and emotional touch to the context of the historic play.
A season of auction records
This ball is not the only one related to the Dodgers that has reached million-dollar figures at auction this year.
The ball with which Shohei Ohtani became the first player in Major League history with at least 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases In one season it was sold for $4.4 million, setting a record for the sale of any sports ball.
Freeman’s grand slam and its impact on the World Series have written him into the baseball history books, making this ball one of the most valuable and significant in recent years.
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