Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman etched his name in history with the first ever walk-off grand slam in World Series history. On that fateful Saturday night at Dodger Stadium, the ball he hit became a highly sought-after item. It sold at auction for an astonishing $1.56 million, securing its place as the third most expensive game-used baseball of all time.

Unprecedented Baseball Moment Shapes History

Game-Changing Home Runs by Freddie Freeman

The Dodgers' journey to the World Series victory over the New York Yankees was nothing short of remarkable. Freeman's MVP performance was truly outstanding. He hit home runs in each of the first four games of the series, tying the World Series record with a total of 12 RBI. His ability to come through in crucial moments was on full display with that historic walk-off grand slam.This moment not only brought joy to Dodgers fans but also became a part of baseball history. The ball that Freeman hit rolled from the seat in front of 10-year-old Zachary Ruderman to the ground at his feet. Zachary's quick reaction and his parents' surprise of tickets to the game made this moment even more special. When Zachary batted the ball to his dad, Nico, who jumped on it ahead of other fans, it was a scene that would be remembered forever.

The Auction and Its Significance

After the game, the ball was secured by the Ruderman family. SCP Auctions, which ran the sale, shared the details in an initial press release. Although the identity of the buyer remains a mystery, the Ruderman family's hope is that the baseball will be displayed in Dodger Stadium. This would allow all Dodgers and baseball fans to witness this very special piece of history for the city of Los Angeles.The Freeman grand slam ball now holds a significant place among game-used baseballs. Shohei Ohtani's 50th home run ball from the 2024 season set a new record, selling for $4.392 million in October. Mark McGwire's 70th home run ball from the 1998 season is second at $3.005 million, and Aaron Judge's 62nd home run ball from 2022 is now the fourth most expensive at $1.5 million. These records highlight the value and significance of such historic baseball artifacts.The Athletic maintains its full editorial independence in all our coverage. When you click or make purchases through our links, we may earn a commission. This ensures that our reporting remains objective and focused on delivering the facts.