Who Caught Shohei Ohtani's 50 50 Ball
On September 4, 2024, Shohei Ohtani hit his 50th home run and 50th stolen base in the same season. The ball landed in the front row of the stands at Dodger Stadium, where fan Cristian Lopez reached over the railing and secured the catch. The moment went viral because it marked one of the rarest achievements in modern baseball history.
Details of the Catch and Immediate Aftermath
Video showed Lopez tracking the ball, standing, and snatching it just before it hit the railing. He then held the ball up and was mobbed by nearby fans. Security and stadium staff quickly intervened, and Lopez was escorted away while still holding the ball. The Dodgers later confirmed the catch and the historic context of the at-bat.
What Happens to a 50 50 Ball
MLB rules state that a live ball remains property of the team unless the club chooses to return it. The Dodgers retained the ball, and Lopez did not receive a formal replacement or compensation from the team. Similar historic balls are typically archived or displayed by the club. For more on MLB memorabilia policies, see the official MLB rules on game-used equipment.
