Freddie Freeman’s historic walk-off grand slam ball sets record as it becomes 3rd-most expensive ball ever

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman’s 2024 World Series Game 1 walk-off grand slam ball sold for $1.56 million, according to SCP Auctions. The Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 6-3 in Game 1 as Freeman swatted the first-ever walk-off grand slam World Series in history.

The ball flew into the stands, leaving Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes holding his head in disbelief. The coveted piece of memorabilia was recovered by Zachary Ruderman, a 10-year-old Los Angeles resident.

According to Fox Sports, Ruderman jumped over several seats to dive for the ball. He picked it up and tossed it to his father for safekeeping.

Now, the ball went up for auction, becoming the third-most valuable ball in MLB history. The most valuable artifact was Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run ball this season. The ball marked the first-ever 50/50 season and sold for approximately $4.4 million.

The second-most valuable recovered ball was Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball. McGwire set the mark in 1998 after breaking Roger Maris’ single-season home run record. The ball sold for a little over $3 million.

Meanwhile, Zachary Ruderman is now part of baseball lore while his family gets to keep the proceeds from the auction.

History repeats itself with Freddie Freeman home run

Freddie Freeman’s Game 1 grand slam was reminiscent of Kirk Gibson’s walk-off homer in the 1988 World Series.

Gibson, who did not start the game due to a leg injury, was called on to pinch hit in the ninth inning for the pitcher. At that time, pitchers hit when World Series games were played at National League ballparks.

So, Gibson, limping to the plate, proceeded to lift a fly ball into the stands off legendary Oakland Athletics closer Dennis Eckersley.

The walk-off shot gave the Dodgers a 5-4 win in Game 1. They eventually beat the A’s 4-1 to capture their first championship since 1981.

36 years later, a hobbled Freddie Freeman stepped into the batter’s box to launch the Dodgers to victory. Freeman had injured his right ankle earlier in the postseason, missing most of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets.

Freeman was well enough to play in the World Series, earning MVP honors when everything was said and done. Like 1988, the Dodgers defeated their World Series rivals in five games.

Freddie Freeman’s ankle injury was severe enough to require offseason surgery. Nevertheless, he is expected to be fully healthy for spring training next season as the Dodgers look to defend their title.

About the author

Nestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor’s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.

Nestor credits the Leafs’ playoff runs in the early '90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.

Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can't for stories.

When he is not writing about Canada’s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.

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Edited by Nicolaas Ackermann