In the world of sports memorabilia, few items command as much reverence as those associated with 2024 National League MVP Shohei Ohtani.
His remarkable journey from Japanese teenage prodigy to current three-time MLB MVP has captivated fans around the world. Now, collectors have the chance to own a tangible piece of his early legacy. It is the oldest known game-worn jersey from the 2017 season when he was with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
The auction, hosted by Gray Flannel Auctions, begins online bidding today and will run until December 8, 2024. For someone with deep pockets and an understanding of baseball history, this is literally a golden opportunity.
Featuring “HOKKAIDO NIPPON HAM” embroidered across the chest in bold black tackle twill outlined with gold and white embroidery, the jersey is a real eye-catcher.
Ohtani’s iconic jersey number 11 and his last name adorn the back, also in white embroidery and black tackle twill. Its craftsmanship is unmistakably MizunoPro, with proper tagging and additional authenticity markers confirming its game-used status.
But it’s not just the beauty and reliability that makes this jersey extraordinary. The visible fabric wear speaks to Ohtani’s grit and glory during his final season in Japan before embarking on his journey to MLB.
The 2017 season wasn’t just a year for Ohtani, it was the culmination of his Nippon Professional Baseball career.
Ohtani appeared in 65 games and had a batting average of .332, eight home runs, and 31 RBIs. On the mound, he maintained a solid 3.20 ERA, proving once again that his two-way talent was nothing new, but rather a revelation.
This season etched his name into the Japanese baseball world, setting the stage for his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. By then, Ohtani was already a household name in Japan, amassing 2016 MVP honors and other rare honors. Achieved by being selected in the best nine as both a pitcher and a designated hitter.
Fast forward to 2024 and Ohtani continues to shatter expectations.
After winning their first ever World Series in October in his first season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani was unanimously named the 2024 National League MVP on Thursday for the third time in his career.
Ohtani became the inaugural member of the 50-50 Club, hitting 54 home runs and stealing 59 bases during the 2024 season.
For collectors, the 2017 jersey is more than just a keepsake. It’s part of the history of an era that already produced one of the best baseball players in the history of the game, Shohei Ohtani.
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