Shohei Ohtani Bobblehead Craze: Rare Dodgers Collectibles Fetch Big Money
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Shohei Ohtani bobbleheads, given away before Thursday’s Los Angeles Dodgers home game against the Cincinnati Reds, are already creating a buzz on the resale market.
TMZ Sports reports that the first 40,000 fans at Dodger Stadium on Thursday received Ohtani’s first bobblehead in a Dodgers uniform, with 1,700 fortunate fans receiving a rare “chase" version of the bobblehead.
While the majority of the bobbleheads featured Ohtani in a home uniform, only 1,700 of them were in the road grays, significantly boosting their value. According to TMZ, the road Ohtani bobbleheads are fetching high prices on eBay, with some selling for as much as $1,500. Even the more common home versions are selling for hundreds of dollars.
Although Ohtani did not record a hit in Thursday’s 7-2 blowout loss to Cincinnati, his first season in Los Angeles has been nothing short of spectacular.
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The Japanese megastar currently leads the National League in batting average at .360 and home runs with 12. He also boasts a .430 on-base percentage and a .669 slugging percentage, along with 30 RBI, 11 stolen bases, and 34 runs scored. After winning two American League MVP awards with the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani signed an MLB-record 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers.
While the 29-year-old veteran is a two-way star known for both hitting and pitching, he is focusing solely on hitting this season following elbow surgery.
Ohtani has excelled as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, and even without his pitching prowess, he is right in the conversation for National League MVP honors. Ohtani has the second-shortest odds to win the award at +350, trailing teammate Mookie Betts at +165.
His impressive performance at the plate, combined with his star power, has made his bobblehead a coveted item for collectors and fans alike. The excitement surrounding Ohtani’s bobblehead giveaway is just another example of his immense popularity and the impact he has had on the game. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Ohtani to see if he can continue his incredible form and lead the Dodgers to glory.
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