A Dodgers fan caught Shohei Ohtani’s third home run ball during the NLCS, and experts estimate it could fetch millions at auction, potentially transforming the fan’s life. This historic moment occurred amid Ohtani’s legendary performance, where he excelled both as a pitcher and hitter.
During Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on October 20, 2025, Shohei Ohtani delivered one of the most remarkable postseason performances in MLB history. Starting as the pitcher, he struck out 10 batters from the Milwaukee Brewers and then hit three home runs, powering the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-1 victory and a sweep into the World Series. His third home run ball sailed into the stands at Dodger Stadium, where it was caught by David Flores, a longtime Dodgers fan from Santa Fe Springs. Flores described the catch as intuitive, anticipating a ricochet and securing the ball calmly amid the crowd’s excitement.
Flores, a professional boxing coach, expressed humility and astonishment at his luck, noting that his phone began buzzing incessantly with messages after the game. He immediately decided to sell the ball to the highest bidder, viewing it as an opportunity to build generational wealth for his family. Flores also hopes to meet Ohtani and the Dodgers team, acknowledging the significance of the moment in his life and for baseball fans everywhere.
Michael Keys, COO at SCP Auctions, provided an expert valuation, estimating the ball could be worth $3 to $5 million or more due to its historic context. He emphasized that Ohtani’s feat—pitching 10 strikeouts and hitting three home runs in a single NLCS game—is unprecedented, making the ball an extremely valuable collectible. Keys noted that the market demand for such items is high, especially given Ohtani’s global superstar status and the Dodgers’ continued success.
Before the ball can be sold, it must undergo a rigorous authentication process to verify its provenance. This includes a forensic review of photos and videos showing Flores making the catch, as well as a lie detector test to confirm his account. SCP Auctions, which partners with authentication firms, plans to include the ball in their November auction if all checks pass, ensuring transparency and credibility for potential bidders.
The timing aligns perfectly with the auction schedule, and Flores is eager to proceed, though he admits the reality of the situation hasn’t fully sunk in. The potential sale could set a record for sports memorabilia, reflecting the growing appetite for items tied to iconic athletes. This process highlights the careful steps taken in the memorabilia industry to prevent fraud and maintain trust among collectors.
This event underscores the immense value placed on historic sports moments and memorabilia in today’s market. For Flores, it represents a financial windfall that could secure his family’s future, while for collectors and fans, it’s a chance to own a piece of baseball history. The auction outcome will be closely watched, as it may influence future valuations of similar items and highlight the cultural significance of athletes like Ohtani.
In the broader context, Ohtani’s performance and the ball’s potential sale illustrate how sports achievements can create unexpected opportunities for ordinary fans. As the Dodgers advance to the World Series, this story adds a human element to the postseason drama, reminding us of the magic that can unfold in the stands. The upcoming auction will not only determine the ball’s final price but also celebrate a unique intersection of skill, luck, and fandom.